PEOPLE in Sedgefield borough, who are living with a long-term medical condition, are being offered the chance to take part in a Department of Health programme.
The Expert Patient Programme (EPP) is a national initiative offering courses to help people cope with their condition.
The courses are designed to run alongside medical treatments and include advice on finding out information, talking to doctors and coping with depression.
Courses similar to EPP have been running for several years in other countries and have been proven to reduce severe symptoms and increase patients' self-confidence and quality of life.
Conditions include arthritis, asthma, back pain, multiple sclerosis and mental health issues.
The first course in Sedgefield borough will begin on June 17 at the Pioneering Care Centre, Newton Aycliffe, and will run for two-and-a-half hours per week for six weeks.
The courses will be led by tutors who have a long-term illness or condition, and will cover topics such as finding information, communicating with health professionals, friends and family, and coping with depression.
The courses are free of charge and transport can be provided. The EPP courses are supported by Sedgefield Primary Care Trust and the Pioneering Care Partnership.
Anyone with a long-term illness or condition who would like to attend the course, is asked to contact Janet Price on (01325) 321234 before next Thursday.
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