PEOPLE with long-term illnesses are set to benefit from a new training course offered by Swindon Primary Care Trust.

The six-week programme aims to help people increase their confidence to manage their illness, helping them deal with everything from pain, isolation and anger to practicalities like healthy eating, relaxation and exercise.

The aim of the self-management programme is to help people who suffer from long term conditions including asthma, diabetes, arthritis and multiple sclerosis.

Some topics covered in the course include techniques for managing fatigue and pain, developing skills to cope with fear, anger and depression and com-municating more effectively with friends, family and health care professionals.

Annie Naji, Patient Advice and Liaison Services manager for the Swindon PCT, said: "People living with any long term condition experience similar day to day problems.

"This course aims to develop skills, pool common experiences and develop a support system that helps people to make the most of their lives."

The courses, which consist of six two and a half hour weekly sessions, are led by trained volunteer tutors who have all had a long-term illness them-selves.

If anyone would like to know more about the courses or how to become a tutor, call Jackie Kennedy on Swindon 708721.