As a result of the popularity of the current course held at Bullion Hall, Chester-le-Street (April - May 2009) a second group has now been arranged to accomodate the overflow, and a limited number of places are still available. The start date is Tuesday 2nd June 2009. For further information contact Maria Veitch on 01207 523675.

Introduction to the programme:

Expert Patient Programme – A 6 week course delivered FREE

The Expert Patients programme (EPP) is a course developed by the NHS to help people who live with a long-term health condition to maintain and improve their quality of life through self-management. The programme teaches you important skills including;

Managing symptoms
Dealing with stress, depression and low self-image
Managing pain
Developing coping skills
Learning ways to relax and eat healthily
Working more closely with those caring for you
Planning for the future.

The courses are delivered by people who themselves have a long-term health condition, they are volunteers and are trained to lead the programme. They are not ME specific, evaluation of past programmes prove that better outcomes are achieved by delivering courses to a mixed group of health conditions. Many of our members have attended these courses in the past and have found them informative and helpful.

Train to be an Expert Patient Programme Trainer

The Expert Patient Programme are looking for people to train to deliver this programme across the North East. To qualify you must; have a chronic health condition yourself, have attended an expert patient programme as a patient, and be willing to undertake four days training by the programme managers. If you wish to know more – please contact Alison Boyd on 01207 523648