Volunteer with the Expert Patient Programme

So why Volunteer?

Volunteer with the Expert Patient Programme, Community Interest Company (EPP CIC) and help us improve the lives of people living with long term conditions while gaining a qualification for you.

EPP CIC is a not for profit social enterprise and was established as a Community Interest Company in 2007. We provide self management courses for people living with any long term health condition(s) and their carers, (including diabetes, back pain, depression, chronic heart disease, arthritis, etc) for a number of organisations including the NHS.

Volunteering with EPP CIC gives you the opportunity to meet new people, learn and develop new skills – maybe as a way of re-entering into the job market.

As a volunteer you can gain new experiences while helping to improving the lives of others, you can also gain credits to count towards a National Open College Network qualification.

Speak to any EPP CIC volunteer and you will see how rewarding working with us can be…

What does it cost?

EPP CIC is free and we provide full training and support over four days to develop your own skills; you will also be reimbursed for all out of pocket expenses.

What qualifications do I need?

No previous experience is necessary beyond your own personal understanding of living with or caring for somebody with a long-term health condition.

‘I wanted somebody else to get out of the course what I got out of it, so I volunteered. I haven’t looked back.’ Maureen Regan, Volunteer Tutor.

What do we do?

EPP CIC courses offer a tool-kit of fundamental techniques that support people living with any long-term health condition(s) and improving their quality of life. Topics that the course covers include:
• Managing tiredness and pain.
• Coping with feelings of depression.
• Relaxation techniques and exercise.
• Healthy eating.
• Action planning and problem solving techniques.

People who have taken part in an EPP CIC course have reported that it has helped them to:
• Feel confident and more in control of their life.
• Manage their condition and treatment together with healthcare professionals.
• Be realistic about the impact of their condition on themselves and their family.
• Use their new skills and knowledge to improve their quality of life.

Our community based courses are delivered by volunteers and sessional workers who they themselves have direct experience of managing a long-term condition and who have attended our excellent tutor training programme.

We value all our volunteers who are the back bone of our organisation.

Open College Network accreditation

EPP CIC has received Level 3 accreditation from the Open College Network (Credit for Learning) for course delivery – the equivalent of an A or AS level standard.

It means that once you receive training, mentoring and feedback from your first two successful courses you are entitled, if you wish, to receive Level 3 learning credits.

How much time am I expected to give?

EPP CIC tutors are asked to deliver at least two courses a year. Each course lasts six weeks and a weekly session is two hours and thirty minutes, excluding preparation time.

Where do I go from here?

There are a number of great opportunities to work with EPP CIC:
• Deliver our self management courses within the community.
• Promote EPP CIC at varied talks and events across the UK.
• Help EPP CIC by distributing information on the programme in the community you live in.
• Assisting administrative staff within the offices of EPP CIC.

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