The next round of the free online Living Well programme will commence in September, providing people with a long-term health condition an opportunity to learn skills that will enable them to live well with their condition.

This HSE-run group self management programme is delivered for free over a period of six weeks with one 2.5-hour workshop delivered every week.

It is geared at people over 18 years of age who are living with a health condition that can be treated and managed but not cured such as asthma, COPD, diabetes, stroke, multiple sclerosis, heart conditions, arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic pain and more.

It has also become recognised as a helpful support for those dealing with long-Covid.

Those caring for someone with a long-term health condition can also participate. The programme is not suitable for people with significant memory or learning difficulties.

The September programmes will run on the following dates:

• Monday, September 5 – October 10 from 10.30am to 1pm
• Wednesday, September 7 – October 12 from 7-9.30pm
• Tuesday, September 20 – October 25 from 10.30am to 1pm
• Thursday, October 6 – November 10 from 7-9.30pm
• Wednesday, October 26 – November 30 from 10.30am to 1pm
• Wednesday, November 2 – December 7 from 7-9.30pm

Self management is what a person with a long-term health condition does every day. This may include recognising and dealing with symptoms; taking medication and managing other treatments; making lifestyle changes and coping with the emotional effects of the health condition.

Good self-management is not about going it alone. It happens in partnership with your healthcare team.

The Living Well programme was delivered online throughout the duration of the Covid-19 pandemic and will return in in-person format  when it is safe to do so.

Help is available, if required, for anyone that has difficulties to get online to undertake the course.

The workshops are run by trained leaders – at least one of whom lives with a long term health condition – and are delivered in a relaxed and friendly way so that all participants can learn from each other.

The Living Well programmed gives participants the skills and confidence they need to self-manage and live well with their condition.

These skills include how to:

• Set goals to make changes in your life;
• make plans to achieve these goals;
• problem solve;
• manage your medications;
• cope with difficult emotions, low mood and feelings of depression;
• manage pain, fatigue and sleep problems;
• communicate well with your family, friends and healthcare team.

These skills become your toolkit for better health.

Each person that takes part will get a book about self-management.

It is open to adults aged 18 years or over who are living with one or more long term health conditions or are caring for someone with a long term health condition.

To find out more about the Living Well Programme in Mayo, Galway and Roscommon contact Liam Gildea by emailing lgildea@southmayo.com or call (086) 0142675 or see www.hse.ie/LivingWell

For more information on general health-related supports in the west please click HERE