The Expert Patient Programme course is an opportunity for people living with long term conditions to develop more skills to help them to cope with the difficulties of long term health problems.

It involves attending a weekly session of two and a half hours for six consecutive weeks.

Research shows that the benefits from attending a course include:

• Making effective use of limited energy
• A more active lifestyle
• Raised self esteem and confidence
• Fewer visits to hospitals and shorter stays
• Developing a partnership with health care professionals
• More effective use of resources
• Improved quality of life

 Anyone over 18 years of age who is living with a long term condition e.g. Diabetes, Asthma, MS, Arthritis is eligible for the EPP.

We also run "Looking After Me" courses which are for carers who may or may not have a long term condition themselves, but are looking after a person WITH a long term condition.

Course dates  

      EPP & LAM courses - January to March 2012 (updated 16.11.2011)

Courses can also be organised for local community centres and village halls where at least 12 people wish to attend.

Courses are usually held on the same day every week for six weeks. The sessions usually last for two and a half hours.

All materials needed for the course are supplied.

Anyone who would like to attend any of the courses listed above, or reserve a place for future courses, should call free on 0800 073 0792 or email to d-pc.EPP@nhs.net, to register their interest.

For further information about the next self management course in your area please contact:

Expert Patients Programme Coordinator
Telephone number 0800 073 0792
Email: d-pc.EPP@nhs.net

Opportunities are available to train as a volunteer lay tutor for these courses – for further details please contact:

Expert Patients Programme Coordinator
Telephone number 0800 073 0792
Email: d-pc.EPP@nhs.net