PEOPLE in Rossendale with long-term health problems are being offered help to better manage their condition by joining the Expert Patients Programme.

The free, six-week course starts in Bacup on Tuesday morning, aiming to encourage Valley residents with a long-term medical condition to achieve a better quality of life, by assisting them to think more positively and to start to take control of their life again.

Hundreds of people from across East Lancashire, with conditions including diabetes, asthma, heart disease, arthritis, skin conditions, depression and back pain, have benefited from courses so far.

Scores of Rossendale residents have been on courses backed by East Lancashire Primary Care Trust as one of their community health initiatives designed to help local people where they live.

The PCT's Expert Patients Programme Co-ordinator Janet Swan says: "The course is free and open to anyone who thinks they would benefit from talking to others in the same situation.

"Topics covered include how to manage pain and combat depression; setting yourself an action plan and problem-solving when it doesn't go to plan; improving communication with doctors and other health care staff; exercising safely and relaxing more effectively."

Contact Janet Swan on 01282 610236 or your local Patient Advice and Liaison Service on 0845 603 1068. Or visit www.expertpatients. nhs.uk.