TWO free courses will teach people with learning disabilities, dyslexia and dyspraxia how to make and maintain positive lifestyle changes.

The courses will be held at the Pioneering Care Centre in Newton Aycliffe and will cover topics, such as healthy eating, stress awareness and the importance of being more active.

Participants will also learn how to swap foods with high fat and sugar content for healthier alternatives and will get the chance to try various exercise classes.

Experienced health trainers will lead the sessions and will work with groups and individuals, including family members and carers, to raise awareness of the benefits of a healthy diet and lifestyle choices.

Angela Quinn, a Pioneering Care Partnership health trainer, said: “Learning disabilities can make it more difficult to understand new information, learn new skills and communicate.

“This means some people with learning disabilities need help to live independently. For example, they may find maintaining a healthy weight difficult, and need help understanding information and advice about diet and nutrition, cooking and regular physical activity.”

Funded by Great Aycliffe and Middridge Partnership, the four-week courses will run on Monday and Friday afternoons and are open to people in the Newton Aycliffe and Middrige area.

The first course beings on Monday, February 24, from 2.30pm to 3.30pm, and the second begins on Friday, February 28, from 1pm to 2pm.

Volunteers are also needed and will receive full training to become Health Trainer Champions.

For more information contact 01325-321234 or healthtrainers@pcp.uk.net