PATIENTS with long-term health problems are being encouraged to attend a course designed to give them a better quality of life.

The Expert Patients Programme, run by Worcestershire Primary Care Trust, encourages people with conditions such as asthma, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and diabetes to manage their own illness by regaining their confidence and using valuable coping skills.

The six-week courses take place at venues across the county and support a network of volunteers who deliver them. Volunteer tutor Janet Oliver said: "We want more people to know just how effective this course is.

"When I first joined the first course I thought what have I to learn about self management after all these years?' But I was amazed how much I learned and astonished to find how my quality of life improved. Often people come who haven't been out of the house on their own for perhaps two years, and lack confidence and self-esteem.

"The change in their attitude over the six weeks is remarkable - they make new friends, discover new interests and are different people as a result.

"We are not medical professionals and so we do not teach' people what to do. The emphasis is on shared learning within a friendly group. After all, we are coping with a long-term illness ourselves so we are all at the same level."

Over the six weeks, patients get a better understanding about problem solving, decision making, using all available resources, developing effective partnerships with health professionals, and making personal action plans that can be easily put into practice.

Courses are free and last two-and-a half hours per week over six weeks.

The next courses available in the programme are: * Stourport-on-Severn (from Tuesday, January 16).

* Malvern (from Friday, January 26).

* Evesham (from Monday, February 5) * Bewdley (from Saturday, February 24).

* Worcester City (Monday, March 26).

For more information call 01905 760049.