People with lived experience asked to share their knowledge
Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is seeking people with personal experience of living with a long-term condition to train as expert patient programme course tutors.
The expert patient programme is a 6-week self-management course, designed to give people the skills to manage their health condition.
The evidenced-based programme teaches key skills including problem-solving; action planning; decision-making; healthy eating; an introduction to exercise; distraction and relaxation techniques for pain and fatigue management and positive thinking.
"We’re looking for people who know what it’s like to have a long-term physical or mental health condition.
“They could be a carer or have a condition themselves, but a key part of the role is understanding what it’s like to walk in the shoes of a person living with a long-term condition.
“We’re running our next tutor training course in May and June this year and we’re seeking volunteers to come forward to train and become accredited tutors. The training course will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams on a Tuesday and Thursday, from 11am until 1.30pm for 7 weeks”. Elaine Curno, course manager
In addition to committing to the training, volunteers are asked to commit to deliver 2 6-week courses a year.
Elaine continues, “Volunteer course tutors will benefit not only from valuable teaching experience to add to their CV, including an accredited certification, but they will also gain confidence, meet new people and benefit from making a difference to the lives of others.”
Karen, who has cerebral palsy became an accredited volunteer tutor for the programme after completing the course in 2017.
““I decided to become a tutor for the programme to help other people in the same position as me as I wish I’d known about the course earlier in my life. Tutoring gives me confidence and something worthwhile to do with my time. I find the other tutors very supportive, and we are all good friends. It’s a great team to be a part of.
“On a personal level, I’m still in touch with my group 5 years later. I find them a great source of ongoing support and friendship, and the course gave me many useful tools on how to manage and adapt to my condition.”
Anyone who signs up to become a tutor on the expert patient programme will receive travel expenses from the Trust.
For an informal chat about becoming a tutor for the programme, email Elaine Curno or call 07824 598 626.
To enrol on a free course as a participant, please email Bernadette Yeatman (no referral required).