Is there an element of your work that you enjoy the most?
Every time I deliver HOPE I am struck by how valuable the content is for all of us and by how much wisdom the participants bring. I’ve facilitated the course several times now and each time I learn something new.
One of the most important aspects of HOPE is peer support. Being involved in bringing a group of strangers together and seeing them be brave enough to share some difficult feelings and experiences and offer each other support and compassion is awe inspiring.
What does your typical day look like?
I’m currently facilitating HOPE in Weymouth alongside my colleague Roxy. We arrive at the venue and ensure the room is set-up correctly and we have all the stationary and handouts we need.
We make things as welcoming as possible, and lay out tea and coffee so people can get themselves a cuppa when they arrive. We put posters and flip charts on the wall with information about ideas we have covered on the course, and Roxy has a great collection of self-help books that she brings along.
HOPE courses usually run from 10-12:30 with a break for refreshment halfway through. There is a log of content to get through and it’s important people also have time to contribute and reflect.
Afterwards, when we’ve tidied up the room, Roxy and I get together, chat about how the session went and decide who will leave on what content the following week.
How do HOPE Programme Facilitators support people to live the lives they choose?
The HOPE course offers people living with a long-term condition ways to increase their knowledge, skills and confidence to do the things they value and find meaningful in their lives.
We look at techniques like breath work, mindfulness, goal setting and gratitude and skills like pacing and effective communication to help people build on their existing strengths and support them to manage stress and fatigue and deal with setbacks.
Peer support is key to the success of the programme, as this comment from a recent participant illustrates:
“I came here feeling lost and alone and now I go away feeling heard and supported going forwards.”
