FREE SELF-MANAGEMENT COURSES IN ABINGDON

The Expert Patients Programme Community Interest Company (EPP CIC) has been commissioned by Oxfordshire PCT to provide 8 courses in self-management for patients, in order to help people manage their day-to-day situation better by themselves and enjoy a better quality of life.

Across the Oxfordshire area there will be eight Choosing self-management for Life courses for people living with a long-term health condition..

The courses are free for people to attend and have been shown to help people manage their condition better and reduce unscheduled GP visits and emergency admissions.  The courses help to reduce feelings of isolation and depression, encourage a healthier lifestyle and improve relationships with friends, family and practitioners.  They run over seven weekly sessions, each lasting three hours. The sessions are delivered by two trained facilitators who have first-hand experience of the living with a long-term condition themselves.

The next course will take place on Tuesday mornings from  02/07/2013 to 13/08/2013 at Abingdon Baptist Church Hall, 35 Ock Street, Abingdon, OX14 5AG

Further information on how self-management can support people with long-term health conditions is available at www.expertpatients.co.uk/health-professionals  including case studies of previous participants and recent research into the cost benefit of self-care.

The aim of the study is to better understand patients experiences of living with MS where patients are being asked to take part in an online community chat forum.  The chat forum would take place over 1-2 weeks in which time the participants would ideally login on a daily basis and contribute to the forum.  As a token of appreciation for your feedback, you will receive an incentive payment of £40.  In order to take part in this study one of the main criteria is that the patients need to currently be on DMD.  The online forum is due to launch towards the end of this week.  Please contact Sam Smith – Project Coordinator, Field Scope International – London, Mobile: 07788725557

Milton Park Summer Party, Friday 28th June, Park Centre, 12.00-14.00.  – complimentary lunch – cocktail bar – steel band – surf simulator – jet ski simulator – fun fair stalls

‘Recycling for good causes’ – Please donate your unwanted, gold, silver, costume jewellery and watches towards our recycling appeal.  Damaged, broken and incomplete items will help, so all the odd earrings and broken chains are a great start!  Old and foreign banknotes, any currency UK or foreign and of any age or condition.

Please ask you friends and family to participate in this Recycling Collection and thank you for your support.

URibag – is a discrete pocket sized reusable urinal if you’ve got to go!  Leakproof cap means once sealed it can be emptied when convenient.  URibag is available for Ladies and Men and is available on prescription. I have one of each at the centre for you to see, also a leaflet.

The next ILC Open day will be held on 3rd July 10am to 3pm.  Theme: Wheelchairs and Mobility Scooters.  To be held at Abingdon Resource Centre, Crabtree Place, Audlett Drive, Abingdon, OX14 3GD.  Tel: 01235 524857.  Drop in for a Coffee and chat.