DESMOND: diabetes education and self-management for ongoing and newly diagnosed. A free online course consisting of four two-hour sessions
Course 1 | 10:30am-12:45pm | Tuesdays 13th, 20th, 27th April & 4th May
Course 2 | 2:30pm-4:45pm | Mondays 17th, 24th May & 7th, 14th June
 
People who have attended the programme have said:
 
·      It’s easy to do, and they felt supported throughout.
·      They have learnt lots of new skills, tailored to them, which they can confidently share with others.
·      They feel re-energised, are sleeping better, and have a more positive outlook on life.

What does the programme involve?
 
You are invited to join an exclusive group of people with Type 2 diabetes. During the pandemic we are pleased to be able to offer you a virtual group. The group of up to 6 people will be held online, run by two trained Educators over four weekly sessions of two hours each (plus a 15min break). You will be able to ask questions and clarify information during the course.
 
Our Educators will support you to increase your knowledge and understanding of what having Type 2 diabetes means for you. The atmosphere is always friendly, informal and very welcoming.
 
Who can attend?
 
Anyone with a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes who is also a SLaM service user, or a SLaM carer, or a SLaM staff member.
 
N.B. These courses will be run in the Microsoft Teams Meeting format, meaning that you will be both seen and heard by the other participants.

What will you have to do?
 
You will need to be prepared to attend all 8 hours over 4 weeks. This is for your benefit so that you can be sure of having all the information that you need. You will be sent login details in advance; you will need to make sure well in advance that you can access this and having an electronic device with a speaker and camera will make this easier. Further details of what to expect from a virtual group will also be sent out once you are booked in.
 
What will you get from attending?
 
As well as getting up-to-date information, you will learn practical skills to help to manage your Type 2 diabetes. You will discuss and explore topics such as:

• What is diabetes
• Food choices
• Activity & Medication.

You may find you get more from attending if you come prepared to share your experiences, thoughts, and opinions. No question is too silly, and no one will make you contribute if you find the idea of joining in too difficult, but there will still be lots to learn.
 
To register your interest in DESMOND, please complete this online form:
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=SuTPoS5olUqOctA7m1iHqgmyKPB4GLVHori7bpbnOyxUQkMyT0hPR0dCWjgxNTdBQ00xU0YzNDVPSCQlQCN0PWcu 
 
N.B. There are 6 places available on each of the two courses. If more than 12 eligible students apply, we will allocate the places randomly, using a random number generator.

The ‘Dare Sessions’ online course
Session 1 | 11am-1pm | Saturday 27th March
Session 2 | 11am-1pm | Saturday 3rd April
Session 3 | 11am-1pm | Saturday 10th April 11 am
Session 4 | 11am-1pm | Saturday 17th April
Session 5 | 11am-1pm | Saturday 24th April
Session 6 | 11am-1pm | Saturday 1st May

Please note that this course is only for people with a connection to SLaM (South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust) - as service users, carers, volunteers, peer supporters, Involvement Register members, or staff.

Ldn Dares Drama Co, in partnership with SLaM Recovery College, are running a body confidence course.
 
This practical drama and performance practice course teaches skills actors use for confidence on stage that we can use in our daily lives. It creates a safe space where we can practice self-compassion and nurture a positive body image with like-minded folk. The workshops are designed to chip away at confidence and body image insecurities and to support ‘Darers’ on their journey of feeling comfortable in the skin they are in. The workshops encompass a wide range of activities with the emphasis on supporting each other, learning confidence techniques, celebrating the body, and having fun.
 
No prior experience is required to attend this course and it is suitable for all shapes, sizes, and fitness levels.
 
As part of this new online blended learning course, participants attending the ‘Dare Sessions’ online workshops will also receive access to tools outside of the session that will support their growth in confidence and body confidence. These include videos, worksheets, an introductory pre-recorded webinar, and further information. There will also be the (optional) opportunity to be supported in the creation and performance of a short piece of theatrical work (either solo or group) to show to a small online audience during the final session (only if the group would like this).
 
This is an online course being held on the Zoom platform and students will be sent a direct link to Zoom after enrolment as well as a reminder the day before the course starts.
 
There are limited places on the course. Places will be allocated using a random number generator. We will stop accepting expressions of interest and hold the draw at 4 pm on Friday 19th March. We will contact people who have been awarded a place by Monday 22nd March.
 
To register you interest, please complete this expression of interest and participation agreement form:  
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScqA7arYtImWu21F8CJhWwfdZwbZ32H3Frqx1GaGIAmAYjX0A/viewform
 
“Because of the Dare Sessions course, I’ve never felt more worthy of life and loving of myself” - Dare Sessions Participant