A memorial bench has been replaced in the Pioneering Care Centre’s Community Garden. The original bench was dedicated to Jim Brown, PCP Director and active volunteer who sadly died in 2004.
Jim was one of the volunteer course tutors for the Expert Patients Programme (EPP) which was managed by the Pioneering Care Partnership (PCP) in 2003 on behalf of Sedgefield PCT.
The programme involved delivery of a self-management course to enable people to better manage their condition and increase their self-esteem, delivered by volunteer tutors who had chronic conditions themselves.
Local people with a long term conditions, such as arthritis, asthma, back pain, diabetes, heart conditions, multiple sclerosis and mental health issues came together as part of the Expert Patient Programme.
The participants who met almost 10 years ago through the PCP stayed in touch to continue to provide support to one another as it gave them the chance to do something proactive about their health.
The group still meets regularly; they fundraise for trips and to pay for talks from guest speakers. They wanted to recognise the invaluable commitment and hard work of Jim Brown, who left money for the group to continue.
Jane Hartley PCP Chief Executive says “This is a fine example of individuals taking responsibility for their own care. The programme was about empowerment and self management – patients needing to do more than just take their tablets for an improved quality of life and they have set up their own support group using the network of voluntary and community organisations, neighbourhood groups, friends and clubs that enrich civil life in this area.
Jim’s passion was the Expert Patient Programme and he was a key figure in helping establish it as one of the most successful in the region, if not the country. The success of the local programme is testimony to his drive and enthusiasm.”
For further information about the support groups available in this area contact the Pioneering Care Centre, Tel: 321234 email: enquiries@pcp.uk.net Website: www.pcp.uk.net
