Positive Self Management

The Positive Self-Management course is a free, seven-week training course for those affected by HIV. It is part of the NHS-endorsed Expert Patients Programme. The course will help you to take more control of your situation and to become more empowered in your life by gaining skills which will enable you to;

• Manage your condition

• Become self-empowered

• Share experiences and socialise with others affected by HIV

The course lasts two and a half hours each week over a seven week period. Call 0161-882-2200 to find out when our next course starts and to book a place.

Exciting developments for PSMP

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The Positive Self-Management Programme (PSMP) is a peer-led self-management programme aimed at people living with HIV. The Programme consists of seven weekly sessions of two and a half hours each. The Programme is designed to provide participants with skills and techniques that will allow them to improve and maintain their physical and mental health. Working within a supportive group environment, participants work with trained facilitators, most of whom are also living with HIV, to develop a range of skills. Several important assumptions underlie the PSMP:

• People with long-term (chronic) conditions, such as HIV/AIDS have similar concerns and problems.
• People with HIV/AIDS must deal not only with their disease but also with the impact it has on their lives and emotions.
• Peers with HIV/AIDS, when given training and a detailed Facilitator's Manual, can teach the PSMP as effectively as healthcare professionals.
• The process or way the PSMP is taught is as important, if not more important, than the subject matter that is taught.

The North England PSMP Consortium steered the quality, training, assessment and registration of the facilitators. The first four day accredited Tutor Training course to enable the delivery of the seven week programme was completed in May 2010.

For more information about either the North England Consortium or the Tutor Training or PSMP courses please contact caryl@bpnw.org.uk. Or ring 0161 882 2216 / 2200.