RESIDENTS living with long-term medical condtions are being offered the chance to improve their lives.

Sufferers are being invited to join an expert patients programme, developed by the Department of Health, to help people acquire skills to deal with the daily difficulties of living with chronic illnesses or conditions.

The course is designed to complement medical treatments and explores issues such as finding out information, talking to health professionals, managing pain and fatigue and coping with depression.

Sarah Scott, patient and public development officer for Easington Primary Care Trust, said: "The expert patient courses are made up of small groups of people living with various long-term conditions and are led by trained volunteers who themselves are living with a long-term condition.

"Sessions are informal and friendly and people are encouraged to come along and share skills and techniques.

"There is no homework set or writing required, but people will receive a free book full of tips to help manage their condition."

The next course will run from Tuesday, June 14, for six weeks. Each session will take place from 10am to 12.30pm at The Medical Centre, Wingate.

The sessions are free and include refreshments.

Transport will be provided for anyone wishing to attend.

For more information, call 0191-587 6002.