Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Eligible?
The PEP Workshops are FREE to individuals with diabetes and their family members. All participants must pre-register for a workshop. No referral is required.
How much does the workshop cost?
The workshop, resources and program workbook are FREE. It is funded by the Ministry of Health and in partnership with a variety of regional community and health care organizations.
Does the workshop replace current programs or services?
No. The PEP Talk: Diabetes, Healthy Feet and You Workshop is designed to complement existing education & programming. It works to help reinforce the existing valuable disease-specific information being provided while supporting the patient in learning self-management tools. Participants learn about basic foot care for people with diabetes and gain empowerment over their condition.
How is this program different from other foot care programs?
The PEP Talk: Diabetes, Healthy Feet, and You is a licensed program through the Wounds Canada. This program follows a standardized format with information on foot ulcers, prevention tips, and how to examine and care for your feet. There are a few videos and activities. As it is peer led by individuals who have diabetes it’s delivered in a neutral and non-judgmental environment. It is Self-Management Education around foot care that is meant to supplement your learning from your existing diabetes and health care team.
What is Self-Management?
Self-management relates to the tasks that an individual must undertake to live well with one or more chronic conditions. These tasks include gaining confidence to deal with medical needs, everyday roles & responsibilities, and emotional issues.
What will I learn?
You will learn information that will help arm you in the prevention & care of diabetic foot ulcers and related amputations. You will gain education in foot care and understand your role in managing your Diabetic foot care. You will learn some tools that you can implement yourself.
Who leads the workshop?
The workshop is led by two Volunteer Peer Leaders who have taken special training to deliver the Workshop. The leaders have diabetes and are there because they believe in this workshop and in helping others with diabetes.
What should I bring with me?
You do not need to bring any materials for the workshop with you. It is two and a half hours long with a break in the middle. You should bring a snack or drink if you want/require these, and anything you require to be comfortable such as a pillow or sweater etc.
Additionally, we will be doing a basic foot exam so please be prepared to take your shoes and socks off.
Who is it for?
It is for people with diabetes and their caregivers, family or friends.
Can a caregiver attend without the person who has diabetes?
Yes, a caregiver or family member who is supporting someone with a chronic condition is welcome. The program can be very helpful for them.
Do I need a referral from a health care professional?
No. Some people are referred, but participation is “open” to anyone who is interested.
How many people are in the workshop?
They are small groups with typically about 6 to 15 participants in a workshop.
May I take the workshop again?
Yes, you may take the workshop again. You might additionally find it helpful to take other Self-Management Programs offered like the Diabetes Self-Management Program which is listed on this website.
Do the workshops only run in the daytime?
The workshops run at various days and times depending on the community.
What if I Live Elsewhere?