Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust are running a new HOPE (Help Overcoming Problems Effectively) programme specifically aimed at people who have a movement disorder such as Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or Huntington’s disease.
There are currently eight different types of HOPE programme running throughout Torbay and South Devon, with other courses aimed at helping people who are carers, parents of children with learning disabilities or challenging behaviour or those living with mental health, chronic pain or diabetes.
Helen Davies Cox, HOPE programme Lead at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust said:
“The HOPE (Help Overcoming Problems Effectively) programme helps people to focus more on themselves as a person, not as a health condition. It is therapeutic, but not therapy.
“It aims to boost self-confidence and resilience, helping people to cope better emotionally, psychologically and practically.
“The course works by recognising that people have many assets of their own and by bringing groups of people experiencing similar issues together, and creating group support, befriending and enabling each other to develop the confidence and self-belief that they can improve their lives.
“The course for people with all movement disorders was created at the request professionals running the course for those with Parkinson’s disease who felt it could benefit so many more people.
“We still have spaces left on our new course and if there is anyone out there who thinks may be beneficially we would encourage them to get in touch and try out this exciting new programme.”
Originally developed by Coventry University, HOPE is an accredited health and lifestyle coaching programme delivered in a group setting by health and social care professionals and trained lay volunteers. The HOPE programme usestechniques such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to support people to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to manage their own health conditions.
HOPE is a free six week programme taking place from Wednesday from 7 November until 12 December from 1:30pm-4pm at Chelston Hall Surgery, Old Mill Road, Chelston, Torquay, TQ2 6HW.
If you would like to find out more about the programme please visit www.torbayandsouthdevon.nhs.uk/services/hope-programme or call 01803 210493.
