‘Self-management after stroke’ Angela Usher 28 June 2011

Who are we? Provider of long-term condition self-management courses and clinician training Creation within NHS EPP pilot in 2002 Established as a Community Interest Company (CIC) in 2007 Rapid national expansion Flexible courses to meet the needs of the community

The aim of our courses We run FREE courses to help people with long-term conditions to: Improve the quality of patients lives Help them to manage their condition better on a daily basis Increase their self confidence Meet others and share similar experiences

What we can do for you To equip participants with the confidence, skills and motivation to manage their health better, co-work with social and healthcare professionals and take control of their lives

Living with a long-term condition? Courses cover a number of topics to help manage the effects of a person’s condition including: Pacing your life with a long-term condition Healthy eating and exercise Managing symptoms such as feelings of pain, tiredness, anger and depression Relaxation techniques Managing relationships with friends, family and health professionals

The courses Typically 6 weekly sessions 2.5 hours per week Local community venues participants Lay tutors Reunions

Adapted courses We have a range of courses adapted to the needs of certain groups and aimed at those who experience health inequalities, including: Stroke and Aphasia X-Pert Diabetes Programme Staying Positive Substance & alcohol misuse Carers New Beginnings Courses in other languages

The evidence Patients can become more effective service users by taking steps to self care. This can include: a change in diet different types of exercise coping with emotions dealing with pain managing their medication

... cont Evidence shows all of which can: reduce unnecessary GP appointments and attendance at outpatients’ clinics reduce avoidable A&E admissions “I underestimated my own potential to cope with my condition. The EPP course has made me feel confident and empowered me to take an active part in my treatment.”

Results “It’s (EPP course) given me so much more confidence, meeting people who are going through the same thing……since the course there are so many things that I’ve been able to do…I’ve cut the grass, I’ve cleaned the fish pond. I took the grandchildren to a café, I’ve not been able to do that at all, and now we’ve been there twice” Melvin Collins ”

EPP in practice “The EPP CIC course is better than any tablet. It gives you the confidence to go out and meet people. You feel you can do it. You have to learn moderation but you have to be determined. Now I can lift my arm and move my fingers. I couldn’t do that before.” Melvin Collins, Newham Stroke Club Member

How to join a course Click on ‘book a course’ – this will tell you of courses in your area

For more details: Call: Thank you !