Volunteers needed to assist leading six-week workshop series

Program helps Albertans manage health and wellness

GRANDE PRAIRIE – Volunteers are needed to lead a free Alberta Health Services (AHS) workshop series designed to help Albertans develop skills to live a healthy lifestyle.

Better Choices, Better Health is a six-week series of self-management workshops. Open to anyone over the age of 18, the workshops support Albertans living with chronic health challenges. Attendees will learn how to make small changes to take control of their health.

Workshops are led by trained community volunteers. Leaders have lived experience with a long-term health condition, an interest in helping others and a willingness to speak in a group setting. Previous program experience is not needed, and health care training is not necessary.

The program requires volunteers for the following communities: High Prairie, Manning, Peace River, Grimshaw, Alberta Beach, Swan Hills, Onoway and Boyle.

Volunteer training will be offered on October 3-4 and October 10-11 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day in the following communities:

• Barrhead
• Bonnyville
• Peace River

Leader trainees must attend all four days of training.

Set in an interactive and supportive environment, these weekly two-and-a-half-hour workshops are ideal for anyone living with a chronic disease such as diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis or a lung condition. It can also assist those experiencing ongoing health challenges that are difficult to manage, including fatigue, weight loss, anxiety or depression.

Workshop topics include: handling pain and fatigue; managing medication; dealing with difficult emotions; healthy eating and getting more physical activity; and communicating with healthcare providers.

The workshop is one of many services provided by the AHS Alberta Healthy Living Program, which supports Albertans living with chronic diseases.

To register for volunteer training, or for more information, call 1-877-349-5711.

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.