Tailored Support: Groups for all
Group programming is a key part of Thames Valley Family Health Team (TVFHT)’s service model. The organization offers a wide variety of groups that empower people to take charge of their physical and mental health and develop practical skills to live healthier lives.
In the 2024-2025 reporting period, 868 people attended one TVFHT group, continuing an upward trend over the past several years. As the expansion of group offerings and improved accessibility continues, TVFHT expects to see that number keep rising.
TVFHT has taken several important steps over the past year to make group programs more available not only to TVFHT patients, but to everyone in the community. Key steps include the following:
Opening up two programs to the public: Introduction to Mindfulness and Living Mindfully
Introduction to Mindfulness is a two-hour workshop that introduces attendees to the concept of mindfulness and teaches a few basic mindfulness practices they can use as a starting point to mindful living. The Living Mindfully program expands on that introduction over the course of four two-hour sessions, taking participants deeper into mindful practice so they can manage stress more effectively.
Offering more programming via video
Video options are now available for one-time sessions including Introduction to Mindfulness, and Best Weight. This allows people the flexibility to learn on their own time and at their own pace. Those programs have been added to the video options already offered for Leave the Pack Behind and Heart Health. Going forward, TVFHT will consider creating videos for other one-time workshops.
Adding new programs including Intuitive Eating and Building Foundations Group
In the past year, a three-week Intuitive Eating and a 10-week Building Foundations groups were added to the lineup of offerings. Intuitive Eating teaches participants how to stop dieting and start creating a unique and sustainable food plan based on their own intuition about what their body needs.
Building Foundations is an introductory skills-focused group for adults who have a history of trauma and are currently experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress that are affecting day-to-day functioning. The group provides a safe space to learn about the impact of trauma on the mind and body and helps people learn skills to recognize, understand, and reduce their symptoms.
Self-Management Programs: Growing, Innovating, and Helping More People
TVFHT patients and members of the communities they serve continue to benefit from the integrated partnership with South West Self Management (SWSM). SWSM joined TVFHT as its home base in April of 2023, providing self-management programming to patients in Thames Valley and across the entire South West Ontario region, from Tobermory to Lake Erie.
SWSM offers a wide range of group workshops for patients, caregivers, and health service providers (HSPs). Over the past year, the program has resumed in-person programming post-pandemic and focused on updating course content. In Fall 2024, SWSM introduced a dedicated community engagement role to build partnerships, strengthen community connections, and promote workshops across Thames Valley and beyond. This role reflects SWSM’s commitment to growth, innovation, and expanding its reach.
In the coming year, SWSM will continue its focus on access to programs through both in-person and online formats. This Fall, training will begin for new Peer Leaders who will facilitate Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions community workshops. More broadly, SWSM remains committed to empowering individuals and professionals across Thames Valley and the broader South West region to take charge of chronic condition management.
2024-2025 Highlights from South West Self-Management
- 75 workshops delivered, engaging 943 participants across the South West region.
- 42 workshops tailored for patients and caregivers (314 participants).
- 33 workshops designed for HSPs (629 participants).
- Expanded in-person programming: 7 workshops held face-to-face, enhancing accessibility and connection.
- Strengthened partnerships: 18 workshops presented in collaboration with partner organizations.
- Provided over 5,000 hours of support to patients, caregivers, and HSPs.
- Quarterly Back to Basics newsletter reaches approximately 2,000 readers per issue, promoting self-management strategies and program updates.