Anyone suffering from a long term medical condition can get help from others like them thanks to a support group.
Thurrock Primary Care Trust's expert patient programme (EPP) aims to help patients deal with their condition by themselves so that their depression is reduced, they can reduce the use of painkillers and their confidence about self-management is improved.
The EPP is made up of patients who have long term medical conditions so the group can help each other cope.
Statistics have shown that patients have completed an EPP usually reduce their GP visits by 40 per cent.
The programme, which started last year, lasts for six weeks and there are four courses a year. There will be a two and a half hour session every Tuesday at 1pm at the Civic Hall, Grays.
One of the tutors for the course, Tanya Furber said: "EPP is about helping people move from patient to person."
The next course starts on Tuesday April 20 at 1pm at the Civic Hall, Grays.
Published Wednesday April 14, 2004
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