NorWest Community Health Centres

Chronic Disease Self-Management Program Workshop Series (July 28 - Sept 8)
2025-09-08 11:00 - 13:30 (America/Halifax)
Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) was developed by a team of researchers at Stanford University. It’s a self-management education workshop for people with a variety of chronic health conditions. It aims to build participants’ confidence in managing their health and keep them active and engaged in their life.
Participants attend a 2 1⁄2-hour interactive workshop once a week for 6 weeks to learn problem-solving, decision-making, and other techniques for managing problems common to people with chronic diseases. In a typical workshop, participants set a realistic goal for the upcoming week and develop an action plan for meeting that goal. They report on their progress at the following workshop and solicit feedback from the group to help address any challenges.
NOTE: SEPTEMBER 1 IS LABOUR DAY SO FINAL SESSION WILL TAKE PLACE ON SEPTEMBER 8.

Getting the Most from your Healthcare Appointment Workshop (Virtual)
2025-09-22 11:45 - 13:00, 2025-10-22 17:30 - 18:45, 2025-11-26 15:00 - 16:15
This 1 – 1.5 hour, interactive workshop, focuses on what to do before, during and after a healthcare appointment and uses action planning to optimize people’s health. A variety of learning resources are used including information sharing, videos, tools and a resource manual that supports the individual with integrating the skills into their next appointment. This workshop prepares and empowers individuals to communicate more effectively with their health care provider. Ultimately, patients are the most important members of their healthcare team.
Choose one:
Sept 22, 11:45AM – 1:00PM EST – https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/vWjp-m-eTfy8DAcle3xp8Q
Oct 22, 5:30PM – 6:45PM EST – https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/S1XxKg4JSdWnOvIsXJ4NAw
Nov 26, 3:00PM – 4:15PM EST – https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/MMHd4lQMRfG1LEX0TnwHEw

Health Literacy Overview Webinar
2025-10-03 09:00 - 10:30
This webinar provides an essential foundational overview of health literacy concepts and the communication barriers that affect patient understanding. Participants will be introduced in plain language to concepts related to health information, language, and system-level factors that influence personal healthcare needs and decision-making. The training emphasizes the importance of creating more collaborative care environments.

Who’s this course for?
This course is appropriate for a wide range of professionals and peer helpers. Our courses generally focus on healthcare providers, public health staff, mental health professionals, and other front-line health professionals.
It is open to residents of Canada, and the United States.

Diabetes Self-Management Program Workshop Series (Virtual)
2025-10-24 10:30 - 13:00, 2025-10-31 10:30 - 13:00, 2025-11-07 10:30 - 13:00, 2025-11-14 10:30 - 13:00, 2025-11-21 10:30 - 13:00, 2025-11-28 10:30 - 13:00
The DSMP is designed to empower individuals with diabetes by providing essential skills, knowledge, and support for effective self-management.
PLEASE NOTE THIS WORKSHOP SERIES IS BEING HELD VIRTUALLY.
Workshop Objectives

Empower participants with tools for diabetes management.
Enhance knowledge about diabetes and healthy living.
Foster a supportive community through peer interaction.

Key Components
Interactive Sessions covering:

Understanding diabetes and its management.
Nutrition and meal planning.
Physical activity and stress management.
Monitoring blood sugar and medication management.
Peer Support: Connect with fellow participants for shared experiences.

Target Audience: Adults with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, caregivers, and family members. Benefits Improved self-management and health outcomes. Increased confidence in managing diabetes. Ongoing support network.
Duration & Schedule Length: 6 weeks, 2.5 hours per session.

Healthy Caregiving
2025-11-28 13:00 - 14:30, 2025-12-05 10:30 - 12:00
Caregivers play a vital role in supporting the well-being and independence of those in need. While caregiving can be deeply rewarding, it also comes with challenges that can impact mental and emotional health. Taking care of yourself is just as important as caring for others.
This course provides practical lessons and interactive activities to help you maintain your well-being while supporting someone else.
By taking this course, you will:

Gain a deeper understanding of the role of a caregiver
Explore the importance of mental health in caregiving
Learn effective strategies to care for your own mental and emotional well-being

Organizing Care
2025-11-30 15:00 - 16:30, 2025-12-19 10:30 - 12:00 | NorWest CHC, 525 Simpson Street, Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7C 3J6, Canada
Managing health care—whether for yourself or someone else—can feel overwhelming. Keeping track of appointments, medications, and important information can be challenging, but staying organized can help you feel more in control and reduce stress.
This interactive workshop will provide practical tools and strategies to help you manage health care more effectively.
In this session, you will:

Identify your care team and understand the different roles they play
Learn how to prepare for medical appointments to make the most of your time
Explore strategies to stay organized after appointments
Consider how digital tools can support your health care management

Light snacks and refreshments will be served!
NOTE: November 30 is VIRTUAL ONLY

Managing Stress with a Chronic or Rare Disease
2025-12-12 13:00 - 14:30 | NorWest CHC, 525 Simpson Street, Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7C 3J6, Canada
This workshop is designed for people living with chronic or rare diseases. Living with an illness can be stressful. Experiencing stress is a normal part of everyday life, but people living with a chronic or rare disease often experience more stress than they would in everyday life. One step towards building health literacy is understanding how you experience stress and learning some ways to manage it
In this workshop, you will:

Learn what stress is and what it feels like
Explore how stress is related to chronic or rare diseases
Learn strategies for coping with stress

Light snacks and refreshments will be served!
NOTE: November 23 is VIRTUAL ONLY.

Chronic Pain Self-Management Program (Jan 15-Feb 19)
2026-01-15 13:00 - 15:30, 2026-01-22 13:00 - 15:30, 2026-01-29 13:00 - 15:30
Take Control of Your Pain Living with chronic pain can be exhausting and isolating, but you don’t have to do it alone. The Chronic Pain Self-Management Program provides you with practical tools to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Learn how to balance activity with rest, manage fatigue, and communicate effectively with your healthcare team—all in a supportive environment with people who understand.
This workshop series is being held VIRTUALLY.

Chronic Pain Self-Management Program (Jan 17 - Feb 21)
2026-01-17 09:30 - 12:00, 2026-01-24 09:30 - 12:00, 2026-01-31 09:30 - 12:00

Managing Stress with a Rare or Chronic Disease
2026-01-17 10:00 - 11:30
Living with a rare or chronic condition brings unique stressors. Join this free, 90-minute virtual workshop to learn practical coping strategies and connect with others who understand the journey.
Full Event Description: ABC Health Matters: Managing Stress with a Rare or Chronic Disease
Stress is a normal part of life, but living with a chronic or rare disease adds a heavy layer of uncertainty, fatigue, and emotional strain. It’s not just about managing symptoms—it’s about managing the worry that comes with them.
In this focused 90-minute virtual session, we explore the specific link between stress and chronic health conditions. You don’t have to carry the weight alone.
What we will cover:

Understanding the “Stress Cycle” and how it impacts your physical symptoms.

Identifying your personal stress triggers related to your health.

Practical tools to regain a sense of control during uncertain times.

Simple relaxation techniques you can use anywhere.

Format: Virtual (Zoom) – Participate from the comfort of your home. Cost: Free Commitment: Single Session (1.5 hours)

Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (Jan 18 - Feb 22)
2026-01-18 15:00 - 17:30, 2026-01-25 15:00 - 17:30, 2026-02-01 15:00 - 17:30
The Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) is a Stanford University-developed workshop designed to help you manage your chronic health condition. The program runs for six consecutive weeks, with one 2.5-hour session held each week, helping you build confidence, stay active, and maintain a fulfilling lifestyle.
This workshop series is being deilvered VIRTUALLY.

Getting the Most from your Healthcare Appointment
2026-01-19 18:00 - 19:30
Do you often leave the doctor’s office wishing you had asked that one question? Join this free, 90-minute workshop to learn how to prepare for your visits and make sure your voice is heard.
Don’t leave your health questions unanswered.
Medical appointments can feel rushed and overwhelming. Whether you are managing a chronic condition or just want to take charge of your health, preparation is key.
In this single 90-minute virtual session, you will learn practical skills to become your own best health advocate.
You will learn how to:

Create a “Symptom Log” that gives your doctor the full picture.

Prioritize your questions so the most important ones get answered.

Set personal health goals using the Action Planning tool.

Ask the right questions about medications and treatments.

Who is this for? Everyone! Whether you have a specific diagnosis or just want to be prepared for future check-ups. Cost: Free Format: Virtual (Zoom)
Click one of these links to sign up for a session.
January 19, 2026, 6:00PM – 7:30PM EST/5:00PM – 6:30PM CT
February 21, 2026, 4:00PM – 5:30PM EST/3:00PM – 4:30PM CT
March 22, 2026, 4:00PM – 5:30PM EST/3:00PM – 4:30PM CT

Diabetes Self-Management Program (Jan 20 - Feb 24)
2026-01-20 13:00 - 15:30, 2026-01-27 13:00 - 15:30
The Diabetes Self-Management Program is a six-week workshop that empowers individuals with diabetes to take control of their health. In weekly sessions lasting 2.5 hours each, the program helps participants learn practical skills for managing blood sugar, diet, and physical activity to live a healthier life.
This workshop series is being held VIRTUALLY.

Organizing Care
2026-01-24 11:00 - 12:30
Is your kitchen table covered in medical forms and appointment cards? Join this free, 90-minute workshop to learn simple systems for organizing your health information so you can find what you need, when you need it.
Full Event Description: ABC Health Matters: Organizing Care
Managing a chronic or rare disease often feels like a full-time administrative job. Between tracking medications, managing appointments, and keeping test results straight, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the details.
In this 90-minute virtual session, we focus on turning chaos into order. You don’t need expensive software—just a better system.
We will cover:

The “Health Binder”: How to build a physical or digital care organizer.

Medication Management: Tips for keeping accurate, up-to-date lists for your pharmacist and doctor.

Contact Lists: Organizing your “Care Team” directory so you know exactly who to call.

Tracking: Simple ways to log symptoms and appointments so nothing falls through the cracks.

Format: Virtual (Zoom) Cost: Free
