Hope Programme expands to support thousands of people across the South West
Our digital programme is now available to help thousands of people across the South West region take control of their health and connect with others in similar situations.
The HOPE (Help Overcome Problems Effectively) Programme has been successfully running in the region for five years and is now expanding, thanks to our partnership with NHS England South West funded by the NHS Digital Neighbourhoods Programme.
Supporting people, not just conditions
Living with a long-term health condition can feel overwhelming. Many people feel alone in managing or are unsure where to turn for support. The Hope Programme is designed to change that. It brings people into a supportive online space, where they can build confidence, set goals for the future, rediscover their strengths, and develop skills to live well.
Developed using 25 years of research at Coventry University, the programme has been co-designed with people living with long-term conditions, healthcare professionals, and researchers. It provides practical techniques for building resilience, managing fatigue, stress and symptoms, improving emotional wellbeing, enhancing communication, and adopting healthy lifestyle habits.
Hayley’s story
More than 5,000 people across the region have already tried the Hope Programme, including Hayley Dixon, a mother of two who went a difficult period after the birth of her first child. Following a relationship breakdown, she found herself a single mum, feeling lost.
She shared: "I had been struggling with my mental health for years, losing sight of who I was. I focused completely on my daughter but didn’t take care of myself. Joining HOPE helped me step out of my comfort zone, talk to new people, and take time for myself. The mentors were amazing, the topics and videos helped me see things differently, and most importantly, I realised that by changing how I think about things, life could become easier."
“HOPE taught me to be grateful for what I have, and every day I remind myself of that. For the first time in years, I feel like myself again. If you’re wondering whether this course is for you, just try it! You have nothing to lose and so much to gain.”
Self-management made easy
Self-management is not about doing it alone—it is about learning skills, gaining confidence, and finding the right support to help people live well.
On the Hope Programme, people can:
watch videos and read bite-sized information
join interactive activities, quizzes, and goal-setting tools
track their symptoms and identify what works for them
connect with others in similar situations
learn at their own pace
After completing the course, participants can continue their journey by joining a vibrant HOPE online community, where they can keep learning, support others, and take part in events.
The programme is free and has been reviewed by NHS clinical safety experts and independent accreditation bodies, ensuring it is high quality, safe, and effective. 10,000 places are available, and participants can choose between joining a group course with trained facilitators or a self-directed option they can complete on their own.
“Working with Hope For The Community CIC to provide this programme to many more people across the South West is a wonderful opportunity and will enable us to empower people to focus on what matters to them and support demonstrate the system and regional impact a programme like this could bring. Very exciting times ahead.”
