Self-Management Programs
Our free self-management workshops are here to help you feel more confident and in control of your health. Whether you’re living with a long-term condition, supporting a loved one, or just want to get more out of your doctor’s visits, we have a program for you.
In our workshops, you will:
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Meet in a supportive group: Join others in a friendly and welcoming space.
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Learn new skills: Find practical ways to deal with challenges like pain, stress, and fatigue.
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Set your own goals: Create simple, personal action plans that matter to you.
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Get support: Share your successes and get helpful ideas from the group.
Best of all, you do not need a referral from a doctor to join!
Our Free Workshops for the Public
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Chronic Disease Self-Management: For living well with any long-term health condition.
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Diabetes Self-Management: Focuses on managing nutrition, blood sugar, and more.
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Chronic Pain Self-Management: Learn skills to manage pain and get back to your life. (Next session: January 2026)
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Cancer: Thriving and Surviving: For people living with and affected by cancer. (Next session: March 2026)
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Getting the Most from Your Healthcare Appointment: A short workshop to help you talk with your doctor and make good decisions.
Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshop Series: October-November
In-person and virtual workshops are open to all in North West Ontario. To register, please click through the below link.
For the best learning experience, we strongly recommend attending all 6 sessions. While full attendance is not mandatory, it greatly enhances your benefit from the program. Registration is required to participate.
Next Workshop Dates
Register by clicking on a Zoom or Registration link below
Become a Facilitator
Become a Facilitator for CDSMP Workshops
We are looking for Peer Leaders to facilitate our Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) workshops. As a Peer Leader, you will support and empower people to better manage their chronic conditions and live a healthy life.
Who You Are:
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You are an empathetic, organized, and skilled communicator.
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You may have personal experience with a chronic condition or have a loved one who does.
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You are passionate about helping others improve their self-management skills.
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No healthcare background is required—just a commitment to the program’s philosophy and a desire to help.
What to Expect:
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You will be trained to deliver a scripted program and facilitate group discussions.
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You must be able to commit to a 7-week training, with sessions held 2 times per week for 2.5 hours each OR a 4-full day sessions across 4 weeks.
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All training and materials are provided free of cost, and you will receive an honorarium upon completion of a workshop series.
Note: This opportunity is for those who can maintain confidentiality and create a positive, inclusive learning environment for participants.
Diabetes Self-Management Program
For the best learning experience, we strongly recommend attending all 6 sessions. While full attendance is not mandatory, it greatly enhances your benefit from the program. Registration is required to participate.
Program Description
The Diabetes Self-Management Program (DSMP) is a lay-led patient education program. This program is led by pairs of trained lay leaders to groups of ten to sixteen people once each week for 2 and ½ hours for six consecutive weeks. Courses are held in community locations such as recreation centres, community centres, schools and churches. Workshops are facilitated by two trained leaders, one or both of whom are non-health professionals living with diabetes themselves.
Next Workshop Date
Register for a virtual through one of the Zoom links. For in-person, select the in-person registration form link.
Virtual – Saturdays, October 18, 25, Nov 1, 8, 15, 22 | 9:30AM – 12:00PM EST
Virtual – Tuesdays, October 21, 28, Nov 4, Nov 11, 18, 25 | 1:00PM – 3:30PM EST
Virtual – Fridays, October 24, 31, Nov 7, 14, 21, 28 | 10:30AM – 1:00PM EST
Getting the Most from Your Healthcare Appointment:
Program Description
The “Getting the Most from your Healthcare Appointment” workshop was developed for the public by the South West Self-Management Program in 2013. This 1 – 1.5 hours, interactive workshop, focuses on what to do before, during and after an 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.
Next Workshop Date
Register by clicking on a Zoom link below
Health Literacy:
- Webinar (1 hr): This overview provides training in the concept of health literacy and an introduction to teach-back for understanding.
- Half-day (4 hrs) or 2 x 2-hours: This workshop provides training in fundamental concepts from the health literacy universal precautions and teaches core skills including how to use resources, plain language, teach-back, and ask-offer-ask.
Brief Action Planning: This workshop provides training in the core Brief Action Planning (BAP) principles and techniques. The core concepts and practical skills for this course are the same as in the Brief Action Planning Online Course.
Informed Decision Making: This overview highlights key concepts for informed decision making and the foundation for working together. The workshop includes skills practice and opportunities to consider application to practice. It is designed for front line clinicians and public groups with a range of backgrounds.
Next Health Literacy Webinar/Workshop
Register by clicking on a Zoom link below
Overview Webinar: Friday, October 3, 9:00AM – 10:15AM
Workshop: TBD
Next Brief Action Planning Workshop
Check back soon!
Next Informed Decision Making Workshop
Check back soon!
Chronic Pain Self-Management Program (CPSMP)
Program Description
Developed by McGill University and Memorial University in Newfoundland in collaboration with Stanford University in California, the Chronic Pain Self-Management Program is a 6 week workshop that helps people who are experiencing a wide range of chronic pain conditions. Practical tools and information are shared to help develop coping skills, building participants confidence and motivation to better manage their symptoms and the daily tasks of living with chronic pain. The workshop does not conflict with other programs or treatment and is designed to enhance regular treatment. No referral is needed.
Next Workshop Date
Workshops will be available in January 2026
Cross training is set to take place on November 7. This is ONLY available for individuals who have already completed CDSMP training.
Cancer: Thriving and Surviving
Program Description
The Cancer: Thriving and Surviving Self-Management Program is designed for people who are living with and/or have been affected by cancer. The workshop gives participants the skills to coordinate all the things needed to manage their health, as well as to help them keep active in their lives and relationships. Participants learn new knowledge, acquire skills in using strategies and techniques and gain higher confidence and motivation to manage their health and feel more positive about their lives.
The workshop runs for 2 ½ hours once a week for six consecutive weeks; and is facilitated by two trained leaders who are cancer survivors or caretakers of cancer survivors. Each session is highly interactive, where mutual support and success build the participants’ confidence in their ability to manage their health and maintain active and fulfilling lives. Each participant in the workshop receives a copy of the companion book, Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions.
Next Workshop Date
TBD
Please register below to receive a reminder for the next workshop. https://forms.office.com/r/SC9HvacixY
Questions? Interested in participating in a workshop?
Please contact Kevin, Manager for Chronic Disease Self-Management Program at 807-626-8480.