Volunteer Leaders of Self-Management Programs

Introduction
The Self-Management Programs are designed to give people the skills and tools to help themselves manage the everyday challenges of their chronic condition. The programs are led by pairs of volunteer leaders - most have chronic health conditions themselves and are successfully using the strategies they have learned through the course. The leaders follow a structured workshop outline that builds the confidence of participants to manage their own health condition.

Why become a program leader?
As a program leader, you will have the satisfying task of discovering the contents of the program and learning group leadership/facilitation skills that can be transferred to other areas of your life. Most importantly, you will watch people affected by chronic conditions successfully manage their health condition by using the skills and tools that you have shared with them.

What do program leaders do?
Volunteer leaders must successfully complete a four day Leader Training. We then ask certified leaders to commit to deliver the six-week workshop at least twice in the following year. They will also have the opportunity to participate in other volunteer activities to promote and implement the workshop in the community.

Is it difficult to be a program leader?
No, it is not difficult to be a program leader. Leaders will have thorough training, and receive ongoing support from the Program Coordinator as needed. As far as the course material is concerned, the Leaders Manual gives exact instruction and tips in a user-friendly structure. You do not need to be a health professional to lead this course.

Leader refresher workshops are scheduled from time to time. They are an opportunity to share experiences, ask questions and practice leaders skills.

Program leaders are provided with ongoing support and opportunities for education.

Leader Training Workshops
At the Leader Training, you will learn the skills you need to effectively lead the workshop. Like the workshop itself, the Leader Training is designed to be interactive and fun.

The Leader Training takes place over four full days (six-hour days, with time for coffee breaks and lunch). Ideally it is offered as two days one week, and two days the following week. In smaller communities, the training may be held for four days in a row. Leader Trainings are generally held three times per year at community facilities in the five provincial health regions.

Volunteer trainers deliver the Leader Trainings. These trainers are experienced workshop leaders who have received further training to become Master Trainers.

Leaders are required to attend all four days of the Leader Training. The Leader Training and Leaders Manual are provided at no cost.

PLEASE NOTE: Trainings may be cancelled or postponed if a minimum number of persons do not pre-register. Please register early.

How do I become a Program Leader?
If you are interested in committing to the Leader Training and leading at least two workshops in the following year, please contact the Program Coordinator for your health region.

Recognizing our Program Leaders - 2012 EXCELLENCE IN VOLUNTEERING AWARDS
The Ladner Office is providing two awards for active leaders/coaches (i.e., a certified leader or coach who is in good standing with fidelity standards and who has been with self-management programs for three or more years).

The two awards are:
1. The Outstanding Self-Management Volunteer Silver Heart Award
2. The Community Ambassador Self-Management Volunteer Award
and can be downloaded by clicking on the links above.

UPCOMING LEADER TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

FRASER HEALTH REGION

DELTA (LADNER), BC
Chronic Disease Self-Management Program 4-Day Leader Training Workshop
University of Victoria - Ladner Office - 3rd office Conference Room
2nd Floor, 4841 Delta Street, Delta, BC
Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm February 15, 16, 22 & 23, 2012
Register: Call 604-940-1273 or email selfmgmt@uvic.ca

BURNABY, BC
Chronic Disease Self-Management Program 4-Day Leader Training Workshop for Mandarin-speaking participants
Bonsor Recreation Complex
4949 Canada Way, Burnaby, BC
Tuesdays, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm February 21 and 28, Fridays February 24 and March 2, 2012 (4 days)
Register: Call Courtney Kang at 604-940-8967 or email c.kang@eastlink.ca
(Maximum 12 participants)

CHILLIWACK, BC
Chronic Disease Self-Management Program 4-Day Leader Training Workshop
Stó:lō Nation Health Services
Building #7-7201 Vedder Road, Chilliwack, BC
Thursdays & Fridays, 9:30 am to 3:30 pm February 23, 24, March 1 & 2, 2012
IN-HOUSE TRAINING

BURNABY, BC
Active Choices Coach Training
Community Meeting Room (over Sears), Metrotown Shopping Mall
4700 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC
Saturday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm February 25, 2012
Register: Angela at 604-940-8926 or angela.activechoices@shaw.ca

HOPE, BC
Chronic Disease Self-Management Program 4-Day Leader Training Workshop
Fraser Canyon Hospital
1275 - 7th Avenue, Hope, BC
Thursdays & Fridays, 9:30 am to 3:30 pm March 1, 2, 8 & 9, 2012
Register: Call toll-free 1-866-902-3767 or email selfmgmt@uvic.ca

INTERIOR HEALTH REGION

TRAIL, BC
Chronic Pain Self-Management Program 4-Day Leader Training Workshop   
Selkirk College             
Room #115 - 900 Helena Street
Wednesday to Saturday,  from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm May 2 to May 5, 2012
Register: Toll-Free 1-866-902-3767 or email selfmgmt@uvic.ca
(Maximum 16 participants)

    
NORTHERN HEALTH REGION

TO BE ANNOUNCED.

VANCOUVER COASTAL HEALTH REGION

POWELL RIVER, BC
Chronic Disease Self-Management Program 4-Day Leader Training for new volunteers
Powell River General Hospital
5000 Joyce Avenue, Powell River, BC
Fridays and Saturdays, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm Fridays and 9:00 pm to 4:00 pm Saturdays March 2, 3, 9 & 10, 2012
Register: Call 604-940-1273 or email selfmgmt@uvic.ca

VANCOUVER ISLAND HEALTH REGION

VICTORIA, BC
A Matter of Balance Coach Training
Yakimovich Wellness Centre
1454 Hillside Avenue, Victoria, BC
Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 pm to 5:00 pm (with a one hour lunch break) February 17 to 19, 2012
Register: Call toll-free 1-866-902-3767 or email selfmgmt@uvic.ca

COURTENAY, BC
Chronic Pain Self-Management Program 4-Day Leader Training Workshop for new volunteers  
Comox Valley Nursing Centre 615 Tenth Street, Courtenay, BC
Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm March 10, 11 and 17 & 18, 2012
Register: Call toll-free 1-866-902-3767 or email selfmgmt@uvic.ca

Last updated: February 10, 2012