Free courses are being run in Halton to help people living with long-term health conditions.

What is it?

The Expert Patient Programme is a course for anyone who has a long-term condition and who would like to find ways of managing their illness more positively in order to improve their quality of life.

The courses are free and run for 6-8 weeks.

The sessions will include:

• Relaxation techniques
• Healthy eating
• Exercise and fitness
• Going at your own pace
• Problem solving and goal setting
• Working effectively with your health professional

The programme offers people tips and ideas to make things easier.

It is run by tutors who have long term conditions themselves, who can support you to

• Improve the quality of your life
• Manage your symptoms better
• Reduce feelings of fatigue and anxiety
• Improve your confidence
• Relax and make time for yourself
• Share your experience with others

On each course there are between 10 and 16 participants. The atmosphere is very informal which enables people to relax and get to know each other. Participants do not have to complete any written work for the course and full information will be given out.

The courses are free to adults over 18 who live in Halton or St Helens.

The next course starts on 20 May 2011 at Chapelfields Community Centre, Liverpool Road, Widnes WA8 7EY, and again on 16 September 2011 at the Old Police Station, Mersey Road, Runcorn WA7 1DF.

To find out more, or to book a place, call the Health Improvement Team on 0300 300 0103 or 01744 697432 or visit www.healthimprovementteam.co.uk

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