People with a long term health condition in the county are being offered a free course to help turn their life around.

Anyone in Herefordshire with a long term health condition, such as diabetes, arthritis, asthma or depression, are invited to take part in the self-help course, which involves one session a week for six weeks.

Spring courses start from April 20th in Leominster, May 9th in Bromyard, and the summer course starts on June 17th in Hereford.

Sue Tobey, Expert Patient’s Programme Co-ordinator at Wye Valley NHS Trust, said: “Our courses are tutored by trained volunteers with long term health conditions, so they have first-hand experience of learning new ways and techniques to manage their health more effectively.

“This is a time of year when people with long term health conditions can feel more restricted in being able to get active and outdoors. This course can and has helped change people’s lives. It covers relaxation techniques, managing symptoms and pain, healthy eating tips, and advice on gentle exercise.

“Our courses open up opportunities for people that they often didn’t realise existed and gives people the independence and motivation to achieve their goals to have a better quality of life.

To find out more about the Expert Patients Programme call Sue Tobey on 01432 364463, email [email protected] or visitwww.wyevalley.nhs.uk (community services).