PEOPLE with long-term health problems are being given the chance to improve their quality of life.

Hambleton and Richmondshire Primary Care Trust is holding a Living Well course in January at the Hambleton Forum in Northallerton.

Living Well courses are designed to help people with long-term health problems take control of their condition and improve their quality of life.

They are part of the Department of Health's Expert Patient Programme, which aims to empower people who have a chronic long-term health condition. It consists of a free course of group sessions to help people manage how to live with illness.

The PCT's co-ordinator Anne Botterill said: "The course has been designed to help people with long-term health conditions regain as much control over their physical and mental well-being as possible.

"It is not about learning how to manage your diabetes, asthma or depression from a medical point of view, but about learning skills to help you get the most out of life given the fact that you have a long-term health condition."

The PCT was planning to hold its next course in Thirsk, but because of demand in the Northallerton area, the Hambleton Forum in Northallerton has now been chosen as a venue.

"Quite a few of the people who contacted us were put off by the fact that we were holding the next course in Thirsk," said Anne Botterill.

"We are now hoping they will get back in touch if they are interested, as we still have a few vacancies."

The course starts on January 15, but if they can ring us on (01845) 573853, we can book them on to the course straightaway."

The PCT is also taking names for future courses in the Stokesley and Richmond areas later in the year.