Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
During the group sessions, participants are supported to find ways to reach their health goals and manage their chronic condition.
Nearly 50 per cent of the ACT population live with at least one chronic condition, while one in five live with two or more chronic conditions.
For these Canberrans, living their best life can seem like a challenge. Take Control – Live Well is a free program that’s supporting adults with chronic illness to make changes and live well.
“While everyone’s journey with their long-term condition is different, many people have trouble finding, accessing, or don’t know about, supports that are available in Canberra to help them live their best life with their condition,” Community Care Health Promotion Officer Chelsea Hillenaar said.
“The program helps Canberrans to feel more in control and be able to live the life that is important to you. You also get some tools to help manage the impacts your chronic condition has on wellbeing.”
Here’s everything you need to know about the Take Control – Live Well program:
What is it?
The Take Control – Live Well program is free three-week group program.
What does it involve?
There is one session per week over the three weeks. During these sessions, participants are supported to find ways to reach their health goals and manage their chronic condition.
Topics that are discussed in the group session include:
- how to get the best out of your health appointment
- looking after your mental and physical health
- finding local support services
- how to find reliable health information.
Participants also receive a book of resources. They will write their own plan to work towards living their best life.
After the three weeks, participants have the option of receiving SMS support for up to three months.
Who is it for?
The program is for adults in the ACT who live with at least one chronic condition.
What classifies as a chronic illness?
Chronic conditions are long-term conditions which are persistent and generally do not go away over time.
They can come on suddenly or gradually, and many get worse over time.
Some examples include:
- arthritis
- asthma
- back pain
- cancer
- kidney disease
- mental health conditions
- diabetes
- heart disease.
The Take Control – Live Well program is open to anyone experiencing a health condition that has lasted for three months or longer.
Where is the program running?
- Tuggeranong Community Health Centre starting Wednesday 7 August at 1pm.
- Online starting 10 September at 4:30pm.
- Belconnen Community Health Centre starting Thursday 10 October at 1pm.
How can I participate?
You can refer yourself to the Take Control – Live Well program.
To register, call Central Health Intake on (02) 5124 9977.
Find out more about the program.
Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter: