Positive Self Management Programme

The Eddystone Trust has a reference group whose membership is made up of staff and people using our services. One of the ideas to have come out of this group is the possibility of developing a Positive Self Management Programme (PSMP).

This Programme has its roots in the Expert Patient Programme (EPP) which is used in the NHS for a variety of chronic illnesses and was developed further by Stanford University in California, USA.

The PSMP has been designed specifically for people living with HIV. Unlike most other chronic conditions HIV continues to be heavily stigmatised. It is important that a separate programme is available that can help increase feelings of safety and confidentiality for the participants.

The PSMP aims to help people find their own way of dealing with issues such as anti-retroviral treatment, relationships, disclosure, nutrition and exercise, difficult emotions, depression and side effects. It takes a goal-setting and problem-solving approach to these issues and is supported by a structured eight week group programme. The Living Well project in London provides training for the group facilitators.

We are meeting with other local agencies who might be interested in providing a PSMP and also trying to estimate the level of local, or regional, demand for this sort of programme. If you think you might be interested in attending a group designed specifically for positive people and looking at some of these issues, or if you would be interested in volunteering to be a trained facilitator, or would just like some further information, please get in touch with us at Eddystone.