If you ever thought about being an instructor but were nervous about getting in over your head, this volunteer opportunity may be for you.
This month and next, workshops are being offered in 麻豆社国产for those interested in becoming volunteer trainers who will then have the opportunity to lead sessions on self-management for those with chronic health conditions.
Once certified through the Chronic Conditions Self-Management Program Leader Training workshops, the attendees can co-lead sessions that will provide participants with practical strategies to help them better manage the day-to-day physical and emotional challenges they face.
So, first you learn to lead and then, if you want, you can lead sessions to help those struggling with chronic illnesses.
鈥淭his is an evidence-based program, proven to increase participants鈥� confidence and motivation to engage in self-care and take action toward a healthier life,鈥� reads the training course description.
Training volunteers do not need teaching experience to sign up to be a co-leader.
It is a good opportunity for those dealing with their own chronic conditions, according to former Howe Sound Secondary teacher Diane Kokubun, who took the training course after she retired last year.
At first she just thought she would take the training course, but not necessarily sign up to be a leader afterward, but the program changed her mind.
She now wants to co-lead a future 麻豆社国产self-management course.
鈥淚 became so excited about this program because it doesn鈥檛 talk about doctors and medications and treatments. It talks about self-advocacy, problem solving, decision making and goal-setting,鈥� she said.
The training course graduates won鈥檛 be left to lead on their own, Kokubun stressed. Should they want to, they will go on to co-lead with someone more experienced, and be supplied a course booklet that lays out everything that leaders need to cover very clearly.
The certificate alone, without leading, is a great addition to a resume, she added.
Kokubun has chronic conditions of her own and says understanding what her future 鈥渟tudents鈥� go through is a plus for her, because she can empathize with them, but anyone can take the leadership training.
鈥淚 am excited for this because I know how attending a workshop can be so rewarding and it helps people who have issues to not feel isolated,鈥� she said.
The training workshops run for two Saturdays and Sundays Jan. 27, 28 then again Feb. 3, 4 at The 55 Activity Centre on Saturdays and the Shannon Falls Retirement Residence on Sundays.
The training starts at 9:30 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m. each day.
There is no cost to attend.
The Self-management BC program is implemented by the University of Victoria鈥檚 Institute on Aging and Lifelong Health and is supported by the BC Ministry of Health.
The deadline to apply is Feb. 19.
Find the application for the program at 聽 or email [email protected].
