For the first time ever, Get Better Together, a peer support program for people with chronic health conditions, will be offered online by the local health authority, along with a number of other health and wellness classes. All classes are free.
“In our new world of adjusting to living with COVID-19 and focusing on the Public Health fundamentals, we need to be able to still offer health programs and services, but in a way that is safe to doso,” said Shannon Montgomery Regional Director Public Health and Community Wellness. “We’ve had to change a number of the ways that we do things. We know there is still a need for these supports, but we also know that we need to offer them in a way that makes sense, both for the individual, and the community.”
“This fall marks the first time we have offered our programs on-line”, said Community Wellness Facilitator and Wellness Newsletter lead, Jan Keryluk. “We started in October with our Intro to Relaxation Series, which consisted of three 1 hour sessions on practical strategies for stress management, as well as another three session class called Intro to Exercise.”
In the New Year, there are more options lined up, including: Commit to Quit, a program to aid those looking for information and support in quitting or cutting down on tobacco use, Craving Change, a program to help understand why we eat the way we do and how to change unhealthy habits, and Get Better Together, a support program for people living with chronic health conditions. Each of these programs is offered once a week, for a set number of classes.
“I’m thrilled that we can now offer Get Better Together online,” said Caroline McIntosh, regional lead for the program. “Peer support is so helpful for people who cope with ongoing health conditions. Since we can’t meet in person, online is a great way offer classes. People get the support they need, while still being “COVID-careful.”
Classes are open to anyone to attend. All you need is a digital device (laptop, tablet or cell phone), internet, and an easy-to-download software program called, “MS Teams”. All classes are confidential; participants are asked to commit to being in a private room when participating in the program and to respect confidentiality with information that is shared in the group.
For more information on any of these programs, please go to https://is.gd/WellOnline. (Or go to www.ierha.ca and click on Care in Your Community / Community Wellness Team/ Free Classes).
Registering is easy. Call Toll Free 1-877-979-WELL (9355) or [email protected].
Contributor:Marilyn Sitar Community Wellness Facilitator. Phone: 204-348-7191 ext. 4240 / Email: [email protected]
