Chronic Disease Self-Management Program
Approximately half of Canadians are living with a chronic health condition. Because of this staggering volume, it is evident that self-management will be necessary to keep people healthier and living independently in their own homes longer. Ontario Health continues to help support the lives of people living with chronic disease to live healthier more meaningful lives.
We offer the following FREE self-management programs:
- Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP), includes workplace CDSMP (wCDSMP)
- Diabetes Self-Management Program (DSMP)
- Cancer: Thriving and Surviving (TAS)
The patient does not need a referral from a doctor or health care professional to attend these workshops
If you have any questions about the program, you can contact Kevin Ng, Manager, Chronic Disease Self-Management Program at 807-626-8480
Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshop: May 2024
The CDSMP six-week self-management workshop empowers people to live well while dealing with conditions such as diabetes, lupus, heart disease, arthritis, lung disease such as COPD, cancer, fibromyalgia, crohn’s & colitis and other chronic health issues. You will develop new tools and skills that break the “symptom cycle,” to feel better, and do more of the activities you love and enjoy.
Registration is required: https://forms.office.com/r/FFT8PbX1Yv
Questions? Contact Kevin at (807) 626-8480
Saturday Session
Dates: May 4, 11, 18, 25; June 1, 8
Time: 1:00PM – 3:30PM EST OR 12:00PM – 2:30PM CST
Location: Held virtually
Wednesday Session
Dates: May 15, 22, 29; June 5, 12, 19
Time: 9:00AM – 11:30AM EST OR 8:00AM – 10:30AM CST
Location: Held virtually
Become a CDSMP Volunteer!
Volunteer Leaders Needed. Become a Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) Peer Leader
Volunteer Leaders Needed. Become a Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) Peer Leader
A CDSMP Peer Leader is interested in supporting and empowering others to better manage their chronic conditions and live a healthy life.
The ideal CDSMP Peer Leader should possess a strong understanding of chronic diseases, excellent communication skills, and the ability to empathize with participants. They should have some knowledge of evidence-based self-management techniques. Additionally, they should be able to effectively lead group discussions, provide guidance and support, and adapt to the diverse needs of participants.
CDSMP Peer Leaders may be living with a chronic condition themselves or have loved ones living with a chronic condition. Interested volunteers are not required to have a healthcare education or experience.
Characteristics of a CDSMP Peer Leader
- Able to deliver a scripted program
- Able to facilitate group discussions and activities
- Committed to the philosophy of the program, its objectives and goals
- Empathy and understanding towards participants’ needs and challenges
- Strong problem-solving and conflict resolution skills
- Excellent communication skills
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Ability to create a positive and inclusive learning environment
- Flexibility and adaptability to meet the diverse needs of participants
- Passion for helping others improve their self-management skills.
- Able to maintain confidentiality
CDSMP Peer Leader Applicants
- Must submit a volunteer application form and agree to participate in an interview virtually or in-person
- Must be able to demonstrate the characteristics of a Leader
- Commit to attend a 7-week training which is 1-2 times a week, 2.5 hours each
- Must sign all applicable forms (e.g. Volunteer Application Form)
- If in-person, have the ability to arrange own transportation to and from future workshops you facilitate
- If virtual, have the equipment (e.g. computer, webcam) necessary to facilitate workshops online
- Must undertake and submit evidence of a valid Police Vulnerable Sector Screening upon request
- The training and materials are provided free of cost
Volunteer Peer Leader Commitments
- Commit to complete all required Leader training
- Co-facilitate a minimum of one workshop series per year
- Must complete all program related forms, policies and training
Where possible, we prefer that Trainees have completed the Self-Management Workshop as a participant before training as a leader.
Upcoming CDSMP Peer Leader Virtual Training Sessions:
February 2024 from 9am-11:30am
- Week 0: February 1
- Week 1: February 6, 8
- Week 2: February 13, 15
- Week 3: February 20, 22
- Week 4: February 27, 29
- Week 5: March 5, 7
- Week 6: March 12, 14