SUFFERERS of long-term illnesses are being offered a new lifeline from the NHS.
The Expert Patients Programme is a series of sessions designed to help people with long-lasting conditions feel better and be more in control of their lives.
The national scheme has been tried and tested and aims to help patients manage pain and cope with all their symptoms.
This includes improving feelings, communication with family, friends and professionals and developing patient confidence.
Within the seven-week sessions, patients will learn how to deal with the mental side-effects of their conditions, including anger, fear, frustration, anxiety and isolation.
NHS Kirklees Expert Patient Programme co-ordinator Joanne Gould said: “Meeting with others who share similar experiences helps people to learn to think more positively about themselves and look at problems differently.”
The course will run from November 3 at the Brian Jackson Centre.
Sessions will be between 10am and 12.30pm. Refreshments will be provided.
