PEOPLE who live with long term illnesses are wanted to help deliver a healthcare scheme.

The six-session self-management course is aimed at helping people take control of their condition and boost their quality of life.

Those with ailments including arthritis, asthma, back problems, heart disease, multiple sclerosis or other long-term illnesses are wanted to deliver the new course to those with similar conditions in North Yorkshire.

The scheme is being led by the Hambleton and Richmondshire Primary Care Trust.

The programme's senior trainer, Jenny Poulter, said: "We need people who have experience of making life changes because of their own illness to train to deliver the course.

"The sessions have 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 back problem from a medical point of view, but about learning skills to help get the most out of life given the fact you have such a health condition."

A woman who became a volunteer tutor earlier this year has had rheumatoid arthritis for 26 years but has a happy lifestyle.

She runs her own home and enjoys spending time with family and friends.

"To live life to the full, I have had to learn to manage my condition," she said.

"I decided to become a volunteer tutor as I felt my experience of what works for me is covered by the programme.

For information about the scheme, call Jenny Poulter or Liz Powell on (01757) 701885, or Anne Botterill at the trust on (01845) 573814.

It is hoped the first session will start in September.