Kidderminster courses for patients with long term illnesses (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Kidderminster courses for patients with long term illnesses

9:09am Friday 25th September 2009 in News

ADULTS living with a long term illness are invited to attend a free Expert Patient Programme (EPP) course coming to Kidderminster.

The (EPP) aims to help patients manage their condition, build on their own individual coping skills and improve the quality of their lives.

It is aimed at people with a long-term illness such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma, MS, arthritis, ME or Parkinson’s, chronic lung disease, or any other long-term condition.

Worcestershire PCT is putting on a free course at Trinity Methodist Church Hall, Kidderminster, consisting of two-and-a-half hours, one day each week, for six weeks. The courses are run by volunteers who themselves have a long term condition.

Research has shown that whatever the illness, the things patients have to deal with on a day-to-day basis are similar - tiredness, pain, lack of confidence and self esteem.

The programme aims to tackle this by giving people self-help skills and the opportunity to share experiences within a small friendly group.

The course also complements traditional medical approaches, giving it the backing from healthcare professionals.

Robin Hancox, chairman of the Worcestershire and District Branch of the Parkinson’s Disease Society and a volunteer tutor on the EPP, said: “The EPP was vital in giving me the means to overcome my disease rather than feeling that I wanted to just curl up and do nothing.

“EPP courses do not offer a cure, but can provide guidance on managing and coping with long-term illness for a better quality of life.”

The course will run on Mondays from 10.30am to 1pm, from Monday, October 26 to Monday, November 30, 2009. Places are still available.

If you would like more information or to book a place please contact Annette Jaep on 01527 507055. Further courses are also planned across Worcestershire.