A series of self-management workshops are underway to assist persons with managing non-communicable diseases.

The workshops are part of the continued efforts by the Government of the Virgin Islands to improve the health of the Territory’s residents. The sessions are also aimed at helping persons to obtain greater results from their interactions with the health services.

The first session of the six-week training course began on April 16 at the Jana Downing Diabetes Resource Centre located on Main Street, Tortola. Another session is scheduled to begin this evening, April 27 at the East End Long Look Community Centre.

Chief Nursing Officer and lead facilitator for the workshops, Ms. Jacinth Hannibal said there were a few persons in attendance during the first session of the course, but the response was positive. She said participants in the first session learnt skills like distraction, using the mind to minimise chronic pain, and the importance of sleep and developing a sleep pattern.

Ms. Hannibal said the second session that was postponed as a result of the weather will be held on Saturday, April 30 which is also the deadline for registration. At this session, new participants will get a recap of the first session. Ms. Hannibal said, “On Saturday the participants will be exposed to managing difficult emotions, introduction to physical activity and exercising, preventing falls, improving balance and problem solving techniques.

Residents with chronic illnesses are invited to participate in the life changing programme, which seeks to assist persons in living a good life by modifying their lifestyle and learning new skills to improve their quality of life.

The programme can accommodate a maximum of 12 participants and will be delivered from a set script, utilising basic resources that build upon the peer support concept. It will run for six weeks with each session lasting for 2 1/2 hours per week.

For more information or registration, persons can contact Jascinth Hannibal at 468-2271 or 468-2280 or email jhannibal@gov.vg.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development is committed to improving the health of the people of the Virgin Islands.