Expert Patient Programme

8th Aug 2022

Expert Patient Programme

Virtual self-managment courses for people living with long term health conditions, and their carers

Why is self-management important? 

People living with long-term conditions or disabilities, and their carers are challenged daily by symptoms of their condition and/or caring situation. Therefore, taking control of our own health and wellbeing, as well as knowing when to ask for help, is essential if we want to maintain fitness and live healthier, happier lives. 

Good self management enables us to control our daily thoughts, feelings and actions in a positive way, helping us to build confidence to continue to do the things that are important to us. 

What will you learn? 

During the self-management courses, you will learn about: 

  • How to deal with pain and fatigue 
  • How to cope with feelings of depression 
  • Falls prevention 
  • Healthy eating 
  • Managing stress
  • Relaxation 
  • Exercise
  • Managing negative thoughts 
  • Concious breathing 
  • Diversion techniques 
  • How to set personal goals 
  • Information and sharing resources
  • Communication skills 
  • Tips on improving sleep
  • How medication and other therapies can help

Course tutors 

The programme's are delivered by people who previously attended the programme for themselves. Volunteers with lived experience have trained through the NHS. Understanding some of the challenges you face on a day to day basis keeps this course real and can make the experience memorable and life changing for many. 

Who should take part? 

Adults who experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, pain, fatigue, mobility, stress, anxiety, sleeplessness, low mood, frustration, anger and others. 

What is involved and equipment needed? 

The programme runs virtually for 6 weeks, with each session lasting approximately two hours with one session a week. We offer 1 to 1 support to help you get online, and information will be sent to you prior to the programme to support you to join. A self-management handbook and any other handouts will be delivered to you before the programme commences. The week befor the course starts, we have a zero week where you get the opportunity to interact online, familarise yourself with the Microsoft Teams icons, and what to expect from the course. 

Programme's available 

Expert Patient Programme 

Caring for me and you

Self-care after Covid-19 

 

How to register

Criteria to apply  

  • You must be over 18 years of age
  • have any long-term condition, disability and/or reoccuring illness
  • be a carer 

 

You can self-refer on to one of the courses by getting in touch. 

Contact: 

Telephone number: 01579 373500

Mobile number: 07824598626

Website: www.cornwallft.nhs.uk/expert-patient-programme