THOSE suffering with long-term health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, arthritis, HIV, multiple sclerosis and ME, are being invited to become tutors giving support to others with chronic conditions.

The invitation comes from Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust, which is planning to develop a special patient programme as part of a national training course being piloted in Wiltshire.

The self-management courses run for six weeks and with two-and-a-half hours of tuition a week.

Evidence shows patients can benefit from greater control over the management of their own illness and doctors can obtain a valuable understanding of what it means to live with a chronic disease, from the patient's perspective.

Peter Cross, trust partnership manager, said: "We are keen to pilot this new programme in our area.

"We need to recruit volunteers to train as tutors.

"These will be people who themselves have a long-term health condition that has an impact on daily life.

"There is lots of evidence to show that this approach helps people to become more confident managing their illness.

"This has a range of beneficial effects in their own lives and in how they use the healthcare system."

Volunteer tutors attend a four-day residential course and are then supported by professional trainers throughout the trust's area.

Some of the topics covered in the course include dealing with anger, frustration, fatigue, pain and fear of the future, and effective communication with family, friends and health professionals.

If you have a long-term health condition and would like to volunteer or find out more contact (01380) 733707 or e-mail peter.cross@kennetandwilts-pct.nhs.uk