My Life

Click below to find out more about how the My Life Programme could help you:

We have taken the evidence from research to understand what helps people feel better about their lives, what makes a difference to them. We then linked this to what people told us they wanted to know about, then designed and developed a programme on Teesside. The programme first ran in 2011-12 and the external evaluation showed us that the programme made a real difference for some people . We have enhanced the programme now based on the helpful feedback and experience of the first programme.

The My Life Programme is a modular developmental programme for adults with, or acquiring a disability due to living with long term conditions. We know that living with a long term condition and/ or a disability that means you are living with pain all/most of the time can make a big impact on your life. This in turn can affect your family and social life, ability to work or be as independent as you would like. This programme does not deal with the medical aspects of your condition (your doctor and others do that). We focus on the other aspects of your life and how to take some control over parts of your life that are important to you.

The aim is to support people to navigate the interface between health , welfare and community services and to understand the importance and impact of some life choices , including managing and living with a disability. We do not always consider ourselves disabled and yet sometimes we face barriers in our lives that are insurmountable without help. Knowing the best way to get help when we need it is important and what we can do to help ourselves so that others do not ‘take over’ can help us feel and take more control at times when we could feel out most vulnerable.

The programme complements current health services and builds key relationships with social and community networks , supporting social inclusion through understanding and re building confidence and self esteem. We all have a social network , even if we feel as though we are alone or loners. Our social network may have become more limited by a long term condition or pain and we may need to rethink or revive our expectations and perceptions of others. However, who and how we engage with others makes a big difference to how we feel. We explore your local area and what it and you have to offer . We think ahead beyond the programme , to your life and what it can offer you.

 

"My Life is made available free of charge by the NHS, to people with long term heath conditions"
The Programme Includes:
  • Individualised coaching and reflective interactive learning.
  • Individualised approach to learning in small groups, currently in 5 modules (half day sessions).
  • Building peer support networks, work and volunteering skills opportunities.
  • Localisation of issues and involvement of local services with the programme.
Personalised Coaching :
  • Each participant will be offered one to one confidential coaching conversations to discuss issues raised through the programme .
  • Each session may be up to 90 minutes in length. (Generally 3 sessions per participant).
  • The coaching will be carried out by a trained coach at local venues agreed with the participants. 
  • Coaching sessions are spread over the course of the programme.
The joint group modular sessions cover the following areas:

1. Taking Control

The value of maintaining health and wellbeing, quality of life.

2. Living Independently at Home

  • The digital age and what it can or does for you.
  • Good design and choosing equipment safely.
  • Using good design to help manage those everyday problems at home.

3. Through the Maze

Understanding and using social care services, the jargon & care plans.

4. Getting Involved

Employment, employability,  getting involved and volunteering.

5. My Space

Finding out what is going on around you and what is next for you.


Is My Life Right For You?
> Are you...

... living with disability as a result of a long term health condition? (It could be chronic chest problems, cancer, multiple sclerosis or a host of other conditions that can be with you for a long time)
 Do you...

...and perhaps your spouse or carer, feel that your illness dominates too much of your lives, and that you’d like to take more control, to lead the sort of lives you want to lead? 

- or that you’d like to look further at what sort of choices might be open to you? (There may be ways in which your condition could be managed that you have not thought of, to help you to live life differently, pursuing leisure pursuits, new interests or returning to suitable work, volunteering, and generally taking a full and active role in the community) 
> Do you...

...feel that understanding who does what and getting through to the right person in community services, is a like being in a foggy maze?
> Would you...

... like to have the opportunity to discuss how things could be different, and have access to clear information and advice about getting the best from local services? 
- and perhaps have some individual sessions with a skilled person about your own specific circumstances? 
If You relate to these questions, then the 
My Life programme may very well be what you are looking for! 
Interested? 
My Life is a programme designed to improve your general health and wellbeing by a team of people with a wide range of skills and experience, based on ‘best effective practice and using tested methods.

My Life is usually delivered through five informal small group sessions, and complementary individual discussions. 

My Life is made available free of charge by the NHS , to people with long term heath conditions (with possible parallel support for carers).

The host agency ‘Advancing Potential’ offers a personalised service to accommodate your needs, to help you access and to get the most out of this service.