New supported self-management programme launching in the Scottish Borders

People living with chest, heart or stroke conditions, as well as those affected by Long Covid, will soon be able to access a new Supported Self-Management Programme launching in the Scottish Borders, delivered by Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland.

The programme is designed to help people better understand and manage their long-term health conditions, supporting them to build confidence, develop practical skills and live life to the fullest. It is evidence based and has been widely delivered across Scotland with positive outcomes for participants.

What the programme involves

The Supported Self-Management Programme is delivered in a friendly, group-based setting and is available both in person and online, making it accessible to people across the region.

Participants can expect:

• A six week programme with weekly sessions lasting 2.5 hours
• The option to attend either face to face or online
• Support from a trained community healthcare support team including healthcare professionals, community coordinators and volunteers
• High quality, evidence based health information throughout the course

The programme was originally developed at Stanford University and is recognised internationally as an effective self-management model for long-term conditions.

Topics covered during the sessions

Each weekly session focuses on practical, everyday issues faced by people living with long-term health conditions.

Topics include:

• Managing fatigue and improving sleep
• Physical activity and healthy eating
• Pain and symptom management
• Communication and working with healthcare professionals
• Medication and treatment understanding
• Problem solving and goal setting
• Coping with difficult emotions

The sessions encourage participants to set small, achievable goals based on what matters most to them, helping to build motivation and resilience over time.

Who the programme is for

The programme is open to anyone living with:

• A chest condition
• A heart condition
• A stroke or transient ischaemic attack
• Long Covid

Courses are suitable for people at different stages of their condition and participants are encouraged to take part at their own pace.

How to access the programme

Anyone interested in joining the Supported Self-Management Programme can access it by contacting the Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland Adviceline. The team will provide information and triage referrals to the Supported Self-Management team.

Adviceline: 0808 801 0899
Email: [email protected]

Health information is available in multiple languages including English, Urdu, Punjabi, Ukrainian and Polish.

Sharing the opportunity locally

As the programme prepares to launch in the Scottish Borders, partners and community organisations are being encouraged to share this opportunity and speak to individuals who may benefit from taking part, either online or in person.

Borders Community Action welcomes the introduction of this programme and encourages local groups, services and networks to help spread the word so that people living with long-term conditions can access timely, practical and empowering support.