HALTON Primary Care Trust will be running an Expert Patient Programme for 2006.

This six-week self-management course has been developed to enable people living with a long-term medical condition to better cope with their daily lives.

Benefits of the course include improved ability to cope with pain, reduced levels of depression and anxiety, better understanding, management of medication and the opportunity to meet other people and share your experiences.

The course also focuses on relaxation, healthy eating, problem-solving, symptom management techniques and communication skills.

Due to demand, the course has a limited number of places available. The next course will run from Wednesday, March 1, for six Wednesday mornings until April 5 at Ditton Community Centre.

People can book themselves on to the course or can be referred by healthcare work-ers.

This is a very popular course so there is a waiting list for people who would like to attend but are unable to make the March course.

Anyone interested in attending the next course can contact Karen Hampson on 01928 593 698.