Workshops for adults living with long-term health conditions

A NEW programme to support adults living with or caring for someone with a long-term health condition will begin in Arklow and Shankill next week.

The free six-week course, ‘Living Well’, is organised by the HSE and consists of a series of group workshops. The course will be held at the Bridge Christian Centre in Arklow and in Shanganagh Park House in Shankill on Thursday, March 5, from 10.30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Living with diabetes, heart conditions, COPD, kidney disease, MS or other long term health conditions can bring its own set of unique challenges. This Sláintecare funded programme will be delivered by trained tutors who have personal experience of dealing with long term conditions. Participants will gain practical skills such as learning how to communicate better with healthcare professionals and how to manage their medication. It will also provide tools to boost self-confidence and tackle the emotional issues that can arise when living with a longterm health condition.

‘I’ve heard first-hand about the positive impact that the programme has been having on the participants,’ said Mary Gowing, HSE Self-Management Coordinator, who is leading the programme.

‘The increase in confidence that people have gained is really impressive. I do hope more and more people will avail of this opportunity to develop the skills to really enhance their quality of life day to day.’

It is expected that the programme will be offered at further locations in the HSE’s Community East area, including Wicklow town and Carnew.

For more informaiton, call the HSE Self-Management team at 01 268 3132 or email cho6. selfmanagementsupport@hse.ie.