NURSES at South Worcestershire Primary Trust are bringing courses and treatments into the community and they want as many people as possible to take advantage.

The Leg Club is an innovative new project which has come to Evesham to help sufferers with ulcers, poor circulation and varicose veins.

"Up to 1,200 people in the town are likely to suffer from leg problems and it can affect anyone.

"The perception is that this is an old ladies illness but this is not true.

"Leg ulcers can affect all sections of the community including young mums and men," said community nurse Jo Dodd who is leading the initiative.

The club in Evesham will be the first in the Midlands and one of only 15 throughout the country. Six nurses based at surgeries in the town will be taking part.

Experts say research shows that the Leg Club, a registered charity pioneered in Suffolk in the late 1990s has a beneficial effect in helping the recovery of people with leg problems.

The idea of Leg Clubs is that they combine medical treatment with a supportive social environment. Evidence has shown issues such as isolation and low self esteem affect recovery.

However, by providing interaction and a supportive environment, people are more likely to persist with treatment and get better.

There are major differences between the Leg Club starting in Evesham and conventional medical practice.

The club will not be in a traditional clinic or hospital but a community building.

People with leg conditions will be treated in a group environment and attendance will be on a drop-in basis rather than needing formal appointments.

One of the major objectives will be to remove the stigma of leg ulcers and other related problems.

"This is a club funded by the community for the community. People who attend will be members not patients. Preventative care will be key to our success.

"Proper assessment and appropriate action at an early stage is what we are trying to achieve," said Jo.

The Evesham Leg Club will meet every Monday afternoon from 1pm at the Methodist Church Hall in Bridge Street, Evesham, starting on November 1st. More information is available from Jo Dodd, telephone 01386 502313.