You are here:>>Life changing self care management programme expansion

News

Life changing self care management programme expansion

2022-11-11T13:31:22+00:00Friday 11 November 2022|

A new self care management programme has been launched by Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, to help people who are living with chronic pain.

The Chronic Pain Self Management Programme is the latest course that the Self Care Management Team has added to its existing portfolio.

It covers topics such as pain management, movement, healthy eating and making informed treatment decisions.

More than 7,000 patients have been helped by the Self Care Management Team since it started in 2002. They team now runs 40 courses a year.

Paul Harriman, from Walsall, decided to enrol on the Self Care Management programme to help support his wife Ann-Marie who has complex health needs. He then went on to complete the Caring for Me and You Programme and is now volunteering as a tutor.

The 55-year-old said: “The courses have changed my life. They taught me a lot about action planning and problem-solving exercises but also I learnt a lot about myself.

“I wanted to become a tutor and help others. I remember sitting in the carers course and speaking about the fact that I felt like I have lost part of my wife, and you only have moments when you can see the person you married. Another man in the room burst into tears as he felt the same. This made a huge impact as I knew my story and empathy could help others and I volunteered to be a tutor.

“I would encourage anyone to sign up. Just keep an open mind. I have seen people go from having severe anxiety to not wanting the course to end. The confidence you gain is amazing.”

The Self Care Management Team offers the following courses:

  • Self Care Management Programme which covers all long-term health conditions
  • Diabetes Self Care Management Programme
  • Caring for Me and You Programme for Carers
  • Workplace Self Care Management Programme

By participating in one of the above programmes, participants will gain new skills that will enable them to better manage their condition daily.

Each session lasts two and a half hours and is offered in a community setting or online over a period of six weeks.

Joanne Hannigan, Walsall Healthcare Business Support Manager for Self-Care Management Programmes, said: “The programmes aim to improve your quality of life by giving you the knowledge, confidence, and skills you need to effectively manage your long-term health condition or caring responsibilities on a daily basis”.

Lynsey Garner, Project Manager Self Care Management Team, said: “With mutual support patients can build the confidence in their ability to manage their health and maintain active and fulfilling lives. The courses are free to attend and you can meet friends for life.

“The feedback we receive from the participants is fantastic – they say the courses give them confidence to socialise again and improves their quality of life.”

The team will be promoting the programmes as part of National Self Care Week next week, which will be rounded off with a walking event on Friday 18 November at 12.15pm.

The walk around Hatherton Lake will be led by a member of the Healthy Spaces Team and you will be able to choose from a 10 to 20 minute or a 45 minute to one hour walk continuing on with the guided walk around the Arboretum. The starting point is 12.15pm at Walsall Arboretum Visitors Centre, Arboretum Road, Walsall, WS1.

Parking is also located around the Arboretum. Suitable shoes and clothing are required for the outdoor walk.

To find out more about Self Care Week or enrol on a course self-refer by calling the team on 01922 605490 or email wht@selfcare.nhs.uk

This website uses cookies and third-party services to improve your experience. Read more about our privacy policy and how we handle your data. I understand