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.

UPCOMING LEADER TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

FRASER HEALTH REGION

BURNABY, BC
Chronic Disease Self-Management Program 4-Day Leader Training Workshop for Cantonese-speaking new Volunteers, total of 8 afternoons)
CCM, 2nd Floor
Crystal Mall, 4500 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC
Wednesdays, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm May 9 to June 27, 2012
Register: Yvonne (604) 877-8606, or contact Courtney Kang at 604-940-8967 or ckang@uvic.ca

MAPLE RIDGE, BC
Chronic Pain Self-Management Program 2-Day Cross-Training for existing leaders
Ridge Meadow College/Riverside Centre
20575 Thorne Avenue, Maple Ridge, BC
Friday and Saturday, 10:00 am to 4:30 pm May 25 and May 26, 2012
Register: Call 604-940-1273 or email selfmgmt@uvic.ca
(Maximum 16 participants)

COQUITLAM, BC
Chronic Disease Self-Management Program 4-Day Leader Training Workshop for New Volunteers
Glen Pine Pavilion
1200 Glen Pine Court, Green Room
Coquitlam, BC V3B 2P7
Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. August 14, 15 and August 21, 22, 2012
Register: Call 604-940-1273 or email selfmgmt@uvic.ca

COQUITLAM, BC
Chronic Pain Self-Management Program 2-Day Cross-Training for existing leaders
Glen Pine Pavilion
1200 Glen Pine Court, Green Room
Coquitlam, BC V3B 2P7
Tuesday and Wednesday, 9:00 am to 3:30 pm, August 28 and August 29, 2012
Register: Call 604-940-1273 or email selfmgmt@uvic.ca

HOPE, BC
Chronic Disease Self-Management Program 4-Day Leader Training Workshop for New Volunteers
Fraser Canyon Hospital
1275 - 7th Avenue, Hope, BC
Dates and times to be announced
Register: Call toll-free 1-866-902-3767 or email selfmgmt@uvic.ca

AGASSIZ, BC
Arthritis/Fibromyalgia Self-Management Program 4-Day Leader Training Workshop for New Volunteers
Seabird Island Health Centre
2895 Chowat Road
Mondays and Tuesdays, 9:30 am to 3:30 pm September 10, 11 17 & 19, 2012
Register: Call toll-free 1-866-902-3767 or email selfmgmt@uvic.ca

BURNABY, BC
Diabetes Self-Management Program 4-Day Leader Training for new Leaders
Metrotown Mall, Sears Room
4800 Kingsway Avenue, Burnaby, BC
Mondays and Fridays, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm September 17, 21, 24 and 28, 2012
Register: Call 604-940-1273 or email selfmgmt@uvic.ca
(Maximum 18 participants)

BURNABY, BC
Diabetes Self-Management Program 2-Day Leader Training for new Leaders
Metrotown Mall, Sears Room
4800 Kingsway Avenue, Burnaby, BC
Tuesday and Friday, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm October 9 to 12, 2012
Register: Call 604-940-1273 or email selfmgmt@uvic.ca
(Maximum 18 participants)

INTERIOR HEALTH REGION

WILLIAMS LAKE, BC 
Chronic Pain Self-Management Program 4-Day Leader Training Workshop
Central Interior Community Services Co-op
Training Room #116 - 51 Fourth Avenue South
Tuesday to Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm June 5 to 8, 2012
Register: Toll-Free 1-866-902-3767 or email selfmgmt@uvic.ca
(Maximum 16 participants)  
                                                                    

    
NORTHERN HEALTH REGION

PORT SIMPSON, BC
Chronic Pain Self-Management Program 4-Day Leader Training Workshop for New Volunteers
Health Centre Board Room, 1102 Legaic Street, Port Alberni, BC
Monday to Thursday, June 4 to 7, 2012 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Register: Call Aimee Simpson 250-625-3241

PRINCE GEORGE, BC
Dates and times to be announced.

VANCOUVER COASTAL HEALTH REGION

VANCOUVER, BC
Active Choices Coach Training
Renfrew Library
2969 East 22nd Avenue, Vancouver, BC
Saturday,10:30 am to 4:30 pm May 26, 2012
Register: Call 604-522-1492 or email angela.activechoices@shaw.ca

VANCOUVER, BC
Chronic Disease Self-Management Program 4-Day Leader Training for New Volunteers - Aboriginal
Aboriginal Mother Centre Society
2019 Dundas Street, Vancouver, BC
Wednesdays and Fridays, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm June 13, 15, 20 & 21, 2012
Register: Cal 604-940-1273 or email selfmgmt@uvic.ca - open to anyone, however priority will be given to Aboriginal people.

SQUAMISH, BC
Chronic Pain Self-Management Program 4-Day Leader Training for New Volunteers
Squamish Seniors' Centre
1202 Village Green Way, Squamish, BC (Multi-purpose Room)
Thursdays & Fridays, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm June 14, 15 and 21, 22, 2012
Register: Call 604-940-1273 or email selfmgmt@uvic.ca

VANCOUVER ISLAND HEALTH REGION

PORT MCNEILL, BC
Chronic Disease Self- Management Program 4-Day Leader Training for New Volunteers 
Ministry of Forests, 2217 Mine Road, Port McNeill, BC (Boardroom)
Monday to Thursday, June 18 to 21, 2012 from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm on all four days.
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, 615-10 Street, Courtenay, BC
Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Tuesday, July 27, 28, 29 & 31, 2012. From 9:30 am to 3:30 pm on all four days.
Register: Call toll-free 1-866-902-3767 or email selfmgmt@uvic.ca

Last updated: May 24, 2012