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General News · 26th August 2025
Mercedes Grant
Healthy Communities Series: Self Management Health Coach Program
Self-Management BC, supported by the Province of British Columbia, offers free health programs for adults of all ages with one or more ongoing health conditions. Programs are offered in person, virtually, online, by telephone, or by mail for adults living in BC.
What are chronic conditions? Chronic conditions are broadly defined as long-term conditions and require ongoing medical care and lifestyle changes to manage and control.
What is self-management? Self-management means having the skills and confidence to live well with one or more chronic conditions.
WATCH// "Staying Happy, Healthy, and Active Between Visits to the Doctor," by Dr. Kate Lorig of the Self-Management Resource Center. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNHSDucRI5E
Chronic Pain //
Chronic Pain is pain that is ongoing and usually last longer than 3 months. The following program formats are designed for people living with Chronic Pain.
Virtual Group: Find a Workshop Here: https://www.selfmanagementbc.ca/upcomingworkshops?type=1&delivery=2
Our virtual interactive program using web-cams is offered over six sessions, 2.5 hours per week for 6 weeks as a 5-8 persons group workshop.
In-Person: Find a Workshop Here: https://www.selfmanagementbc.ca/upcomingworkshops?type=1&delivery=1
This community based program is offered over six sessions, 2.5 hours per week for 6 weeks as a 6-12 persons group workshop.
Telephone Peer Health Coach: Learn More Here: https://www.selfmanagementbc.ca/healthcoachprogram
A telephone-based one-to-one peer coaching program in which you receive a telephone call from a Health Coach for 30 minutes once a week, for a period of three months.
Online: Learn More Here: https://www.selfmanagementbc.ca/betterchoicesbetterhealthonline
"Better Choices, Better Health“ is a 6-week self-paced internet-based program moderated by two trained facilitators. Participants log on at times convenient to them to complete weekly modules. Communication happens on threaded bulletin boards, where participants can share experiences, as well as give and receive support.
Self-Study: Register Here: https://www.selfmanagementbc.ca/signuptoolkits
This program, known as the Chronic Pain Tool Kit for Active Living provides you with resource materials, including a book, self-assessment and guide booklet in a one-time mailing for self-guided learning.
Chronic Conditions//
Chronic conditions are broadly defined as conditions that are long-term and require ongoing medical care and lifestyle changes to manage and control. Examples of chronic conditions include arthritis, heart disease, lung disease, and depression. The following program formats are available:
Virtual Group: Find a Workshop Here: https://www.selfmanagementbc.ca/upcomingworkshops?type=2&delivery=2
Our virtual interactive program using web-cams is offered over six sessions, 2.5 hours per week for 6 weeks as a 5-8 persons group workshop.
In-Person // Find a Workshop Here: https://www.selfmanagementbc.ca/upcomingworkshops?type=2&delivery=1
This community based program is offered over six sessions, 2.5 hours per week for 6 weeks as a 6-12 persons group workshop.
Telephone Peer Health Coach // Learn More Here: https://www.selfmanagementbc.ca/healthcoachprogram
A telephone-based one-to-one peer coaching program in which you receive a telephone call from a Health Coach for 30 minutes once a week, for a period of three months.
Online // Learn More Here: https://www.selfmanagementbc.ca/betterchoicesbetterhealthonline
"Better Choices, Better Health“ is a 6-week self-paced internet-based program moderated by two trained facilitators. Participants log on at times convenient to them to complete weekly modules. Communication happens on threaded bulletin boards, where participants can share experiences, as well as give and receive support.
Self-Study // Register Here: https://www.selfmanagementbc.ca/signuptoolkits
This program known as the Chronic Conditions Tool Kit for Active Living, provides you with resource materials, including a book, self-assessment and guide booklet in a one-time mailing for self-guided learning.
Diabetes //
The following program formats are designed specifically for persons experiencing Type 2 Diabetes. People with Type 1 diabetes have also found benefit.
Virtual Group // Find a Workshop: https://www.selfmanagementbc.ca/upcomingworkshops?type=3&delivery=2
Our virtual interactive program using web-cams is offered over six sessions, 2.5 hours per week for 6 weeks as a 5-8 persons group workshop.
In-Person // Find a Workshop: https://www.selfmanagementbc.ca/upcomingworkshops?type=3&delivery=1
This community based program is offered over six sessions, 2.5 hours per week for 6 weeks as a 6-12 persons group workshop.
Telephone Peer Health Coach // Learn More Here: https://www.selfmanagementbc.ca/healthcoachprogram
A telephone-based one-to-one peer coaching program in which you receive a telephone call from a Health Coach for 30 minutes once a week, for a period of three months.
Online // Learn More Here: https://www.selfmanagementbc.ca/betterchoicesbetterhealthonline
"Better Choices, Better Health“ is a 6-week self-paced internet-based program moderated by two trained facilitators. Participants log on at times convenient to them to complete weekly modules. Communication happens on threaded bulletin boards, where participants can share experiences, as well as give and receive support.
Self-Study // Register Here: https://www.selfmanagementbc.ca/signuptoolkits
This program, known as the Diabetes Tool Kit for Active Living provides you with resource materials, including a book, self-assessment and guide booklet in a one-time mailing for self-guided learning.
Cancer //
The following program formats are designed for people who are living with and/or have been affected by cancer.
Virtual Group // Find a Workshop Here: https://www.selfmanagementbc.ca/upcomingworkshops?type=4&delivery=2
Specifically designed for those living with or affected by Cancer our virtual interactive program using web-cams is offered over six sessions, 2.5 hours per week for 6 weeks as a 5-8 persons group workshop.
In-Person // Find a Workshop Here: https://www.selfmanagementbc.ca/upcomingworkshops?type=4&delivery=1
This community based program is offered over six sessions, 2.5 hours per week for 6 weeks as a 6-12 persons group workshop.
Telephone Peer Health Coach // Learn More Here: https://www.selfmanagementbc.ca/healthcoachprogram
A telephone-based one-to-one peer coaching program in which you receive a telephone call from a Health Coach for 30 minutes once a week, for a period of three months.
Online // Learn More Here: https://www.selfmanagementbc.ca/betterchoicesbetterhealthonline
"Better Choices, Better Health“ is a 6-week self-paced internet-based program moderated by two trained facilitators. Participants log on at times convenient to them to complete weekly modules. Communication happens on threaded bulletin boards, where participants can share experiences, as well as give and receive support.
Self-Study // Register Here: https://www.selfmanagementbc.ca/signuptoolkits
This program, known as the Cancer Thriving and Surviving Tool Kit for Active Living provides you with resource materials, including a book, self-assessment and guide booklet in a one-time mailing for self-guided learning.
Indigenous, Chinese and Punjabi Programs
Please contact the Program Coordinator directly for more information.
Chinese Programs:
Courtney Kang
604-940-8967 ckanguvic.ca
Chinese Programs Introduction and Schedule: https://www.selfmanagementbc.ca/uploads/Common/CDSMPChinese_IntroSchedule_%20Apr-Jul%202025.pdf
Indigenous Communities:
June Clearsky
604-940-6950 clearskyuvic.ca
Punjabi Programs:
Gundeep Sidhu
604-858-9636 gundeepuvic.ca
UPCOMING VIRTUAL WORKSHOPS September through November based on condition: https://www.selfmanagementbc.ca/upcomingworkshops?type=0&delivery=2
For more information:
Visit the website here: https://www.selfmanagementbc.ca/
Call Toll-Free here: 1-866-902-3767
Email directly here: selfmgmtuvic.ca
In Person: Information pamphlets about this program are available at the Cortes Health Centre.
In addition to these resources, our on island Better At Home program is here to support you or someone you care about, with cleaning and gardening help and much more. If you’re interested in learning more and signing up, please contact our program coordinator Ester Strijbos. You can reach Ester at betterathomecortesgmail.com or 250-204-2116.
Self-Management BC, supported by the Province of British Columbia, offers free health programs for adults of all ages with one or more ongoing health conditions. Programs are offered in person, virtually, online, by telephone, or by mail for adults living in BC.
What are chronic conditions? Chronic conditions are broadly defined as long-term conditions and require ongoing medical care and lifestyle changes to manage and control.
What is self-management? Self-management means having the skills and confidence to live well with one or more chronic conditions.
WATCH// "Staying Happy, Healthy, and Active Between Visits to the Doctor," by Dr. Kate Lorig of the Self-Management Resource Center. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNHSDucRI5E
Chronic Pain //
Chronic Pain is pain that is ongoing and usually last longer than 3 months. The following program formats are designed for people living with Chronic Pain.
Virtual Group: Find a Workshop Here: https://www.selfmanagementbc.ca/upcomingworkshops?type=1&delivery=2
Our virtual interactive program using web-cams is offered over six sessions, 2.5 hours per week for 6 weeks as a 5-8 persons group workshop.
In-Person: Find a Workshop Here: https://www.selfmanagementbc.ca/upcomingworkshops?type=1&delivery=1
This community based program is offered over six sessions, 2.5 hours per week for 6 weeks as a 6-12 persons group workshop.
Telephone Peer Health Coach: Learn More Here: https://www.selfmanagementbc.ca/healthcoachprogram
A telephone-based one-to-one peer coaching program in which you receive a telephone call from a Health Coach for 30 minutes once a week, for a period of three months.
Online: Learn More Here: https://www.selfmanagementbc.ca/betterchoicesbetterhealthonline
"Better Choices, Better Health“ is a 6-week self-paced internet-based program moderated by two trained facilitators. Participants log on at times convenient to them to complete weekly modules. Communication happens on threaded bulletin boards, where participants can share experiences, as well as give and receive support.
Self-Study: Register Here: https://www.selfmanagementbc.ca/signuptoolkits
This program, known as the Chronic Pain Tool Kit for Active Living provides you with resource materials, including a book, self-assessment and guide booklet in a one-time mailing for self-guided learning.
Chronic Conditions//
Chronic conditions are broadly defined as conditions that are long-term and require ongoing medical care and lifestyle changes to manage and control. Examples of chronic conditions include arthritis, heart disease, lung disease, and depression. The following program formats are available:
Virtual Group: Find a Workshop Here: https://www.selfmanagementbc.ca/upcomingworkshops?type=2&delivery=2
Our virtual interactive program using web-cams is offered over six sessions, 2.5 hours per week for 6 weeks as a 5-8 persons group workshop.
In-Person // Find a Workshop Here: https://www.selfmanagementbc.ca/upcomingworkshops?type=2&delivery=1
This community based program is offered over six sessions, 2.5 hours per week for 6 weeks as a 6-12 persons group workshop.
Telephone Peer Health Coach // Learn More Here: https://www.selfmanagementbc.ca/healthcoachprogram
A telephone-based one-to-one peer coaching program in which you receive a telephone call from a Health Coach for 30 minutes once a week, for a period of three months.
Online // Learn More Here: https://www.selfmanagementbc.ca/betterchoicesbetterhealthonline
"Better Choices, Better Health“ is a 6-week self-paced internet-based program moderated by two trained facilitators. Participants log on at times convenient to them to complete weekly modules. Communication happens on threaded bulletin boards, where participants can share experiences, as well as give and receive support.
Self-Study // Register Here: https://www.selfmanagementbc.ca/signuptoolkits
This program known as the Chronic Conditions Tool Kit for Active Living, provides you with resource materials, including a book, self-assessment and guide booklet in a one-time mailing for self-guided learning.
Diabetes //
The following program formats are designed specifically for persons experiencing Type 2 Diabetes. People with Type 1 diabetes have also found benefit.
Virtual Group // Find a Workshop: https://www.selfmanagementbc.ca/upcomingworkshops?type=3&delivery=2
Our virtual interactive program using web-cams is offered over six sessions, 2.5 hours per week for 6 weeks as a 5-8 persons group workshop.
In-Person // Find a Workshop: https://www.selfmanagementbc.ca/upcomingworkshops?type=3&delivery=1
This community based program is offered over six sessions, 2.5 hours per week for 6 weeks as a 6-12 persons group workshop.
Telephone Peer Health Coach // Learn More Here: https://www.selfmanagementbc.ca/healthcoachprogram
A telephone-based one-to-one peer coaching program in which you receive a telephone call from a Health Coach for 30 minutes once a week, for a period of three months.
Online // Learn More Here: https://www.selfmanagementbc.ca/betterchoicesbetterhealthonline
"Better Choices, Better Health“ is a 6-week self-paced internet-based program moderated by two trained facilitators. Participants log on at times convenient to them to complete weekly modules. Communication happens on threaded bulletin boards, where participants can share experiences, as well as give and receive support.
Self-Study // Register Here: https://www.selfmanagementbc.ca/signuptoolkits
This program, known as the Diabetes Tool Kit for Active Living provides you with resource materials, including a book, self-assessment and guide booklet in a one-time mailing for self-guided learning.
Cancer //
The following program formats are designed for people who are living with and/or have been affected by cancer.
Virtual Group // Find a Workshop Here: https://www.selfmanagementbc.ca/upcomingworkshops?type=4&delivery=2
Specifically designed for those living with or affected by Cancer our virtual interactive program using web-cams is offered over six sessions, 2.5 hours per week for 6 weeks as a 5-8 persons group workshop.
In-Person // Find a Workshop Here: https://www.selfmanagementbc.ca/upcomingworkshops?type=4&delivery=1
This community based program is offered over six sessions, 2.5 hours per week for 6 weeks as a 6-12 persons group workshop.
Telephone Peer Health Coach // Learn More Here: https://www.selfmanagementbc.ca/healthcoachprogram
A telephone-based one-to-one peer coaching program in which you receive a telephone call from a Health Coach for 30 minutes once a week, for a period of three months.
Online // Learn More Here: https://www.selfmanagementbc.ca/betterchoicesbetterhealthonline
"Better Choices, Better Health“ is a 6-week self-paced internet-based program moderated by two trained facilitators. Participants log on at times convenient to them to complete weekly modules. Communication happens on threaded bulletin boards, where participants can share experiences, as well as give and receive support.
Self-Study // Register Here: https://www.selfmanagementbc.ca/signuptoolkits
This program, known as the Cancer Thriving and Surviving Tool Kit for Active Living provides you with resource materials, including a book, self-assessment and guide booklet in a one-time mailing for self-guided learning.
Indigenous, Chinese and Punjabi Programs
Please contact the Program Coordinator directly for more information.
Chinese Programs:
Courtney Kang
604-940-8967 ckanguvic.ca
Chinese Programs Introduction and Schedule: https://www.selfmanagementbc.ca/uploads/Common/CDSMPChinese_IntroSchedule_%20Apr-Jul%202025.pdf
Indigenous Communities:
June Clearsky
604-940-6950 clearskyuvic.ca
Punjabi Programs:
Gundeep Sidhu
604-858-9636 gundeepuvic.ca
UPCOMING VIRTUAL WORKSHOPS September through November based on condition: https://www.selfmanagementbc.ca/upcomingworkshops?type=0&delivery=2
For more information:
Visit the website here: https://www.selfmanagementbc.ca/
Call Toll-Free here: 1-866-902-3767
Email directly here: selfmgmtuvic.ca
In Person: Information pamphlets about this program are available at the Cortes Health Centre.
In addition to these resources, our on island Better At Home program is here to support you or someone you care about, with cleaning and gardening help and much more. If you’re interested in learning more and signing up, please contact our program coordinator Ester Strijbos. You can reach Ester at betterathomecortesgmail.com or 250-204-2116.
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