by
NSM Self-Management Programs
| Dec 29, 2014
There is no "I" in Team, but we sure are glad there is "U" in volunteer!
As a Peer Leader or Master Trainer you are familiar with the assumptions that are stated by the University of Victoria Self Management programs:
- People with chronic conditions have similar concerns and challenges
- People with chronic conditions must deal not only with their own disease process, but also with the impact on their lives and emotions
- Lay people with chronic conditions, when given a detailed leader's manual, can teach the self management workshops as effectively, if not more effectively, than health professionals
- The process or the way the workshops are taught is as important, if not more important, than the subject matter that is taught
Research shows that when Chronic Disease Self Management workshops are delivered by volunteers (lay tutors who themselves have a chronic disease), it also leads to volunteer well-being. Being a volunteer lay-leader is shown to be an enjoyable and valuable experience despite the challenges associated with course delivery, such as organizational demands and managing the diverse needs of mixed groups of chronic disease participants that led to a tension between disease-specific needs and the generic approach of the course.
Research shows that being valued and adding value to the lives of others are key benefits of being a volunteer, along with increased confidence that you are doing something positive for others. Course delivery prompts the initiation and maintenance of tutor's own self-management behaviours
1.
Volunteering is a win-win for all!
1 Barlow, J.H., Bancroft, G.V., & Turner, A.P. (2005). Volunteer, lay tutors' experiences of the Chronic Disease Self-Management Course: Being valued and adding value. Health Education & Research, 20(2), 128-136.