Living Well Course

Living Well is a self-management course which is delivered over six weeks in weekly sessions of two and a half hours. The course was originally developed at Stanford University as the Chronic Disease Self-Management Programme (CDSMP). It is now widely offered by the HSE, and CCI is delighted to partner with the HSE in the promotion and delivery of this excellent course. Living Well involves putting you, as the person who is living with Crohn's or colitis, at the centre of your care. It encourages you to think about the lifestyle, thoughts, moods and behaviours that make up who you are, in addition to your health condition.

Self-management is at the centre of Living Well and is designed to enable you to deal with the daily challenges of living with a health condition such as IBD. It can help you to develop the skills you need to become an active self-manager of your condition and to live a happier and healthier life. YOU decide what is important to you and you are then given the skills to help you achieve these goals.

Techniques used include:

• Dealing with difficult emotions
• Making decisions (core skill)
• Pain and fatigue management
• Exercise and physical activity
• Relaxation techniques
• Better breathing
• Healthy eating and weight management
• Communication skills
• Problem solving (core skill)
• Dealing with depression
• Action planning (core skill)
• Making informed treatment decisions

How is the programme delivered?

For the period of Covid, all programmes are delivered online so you can log in from the comfort of your own home. All you need is a computer and internet connection, but don't worry if you haven't done this before. You will receive all the support you need to help you get online. And even if you don't have a computer, some areas of the HSE can lend one to you free of charge for the duration of the course.

What can I expect from the course?

During the six weekly sessions you will meet other people who are also living with or impacted by a chronic or long-term health condition. If you are comfortable to do so, you will have the opportunity to share your experiences with each other. Previous participants in the Stanford courses have reported the following outcomes:

• Increased knowledge about self managing their condition
• Increased self confidence
• Decreased depression
• Decreased pain
• Reduction in hospital visits and reliance on their GP in relation to the management of their condition

Who runs the courses?

The HSE runs the Living Well courses. It is delivered by two trained leaders, at least one of whom has the lived experience of a long-term health condition.

Is this a support group or group therapy?

Living Well is a practical series of classes that teaches new skills. Although many people find it supportive it isn't therapy! It is taught by volunteers who have the lived experience of a long-term health condition, and sometimes also by healthcare providers from many disciplines.

Who can take part?

Anyone who is living with a long-term health condition, including Crohn's or colitis, is welcome to attend the programme. It is highly recommended!

Is there a fee?

The course is absolutely free! This includes a free course pack which you will receive in the post before the course starts. The pack includes a text book to accompany the course called Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions. This excellent book was written by the team who originally developed the course at Stanford University.

I want to know more or book my place

Anyone can self-refer, or be referred by a health care professional. Referrals can be made through Healthlink, or simply by emailing a name and number (or email) to either triona.mcnamee@hse.ie or LivingWellCHEast@hse.ie for a call back to register or get more information, or by calling me directly on: 087 4053 880

Places are limited so if your first preference is fully booked, the Living Well Coordinator will be pleased to offer you an alternative. Please note that CCI cannot take bookings for Living Well courses.