PEOPLE suffering from a chronic condition are being invited to enrol on a free self-management course in Atherton.

The course will help participants learn more about pain management techniques, coping with depression, relaxation, appropriate exercise, nutrition, dealing with fatigue, improved communications with health professionals, planning for the future and much more.

Ashton, Leigh and Wigan Primary Care Trust is backing the NHS funded course which begins on Tuesday, June 8 at Howe Bridge Sports Centre. Sessions will be held each Tuesday (6 pm to 8.30 pm) for six consecutive weeks.

Pauline Harrison, Head of Communications and Expert Patients Programme Lead at the Primary Care Trust, said: "The courses we have run so far have been a huge success.

"They are generic courses designed for people with wide ranging chronic conditions. Although their conditions are very different, the emotional and psychological effects of living with that condition are always the same.

"We want to help chronic disease patients live better quality lives and the Expert Patient Programme equips people with the skills to be able to do just that.

"The courses are for anyone living in the Wigan borough, over 18 years of age, who have a chronic condition such as diabetes, arthritis, asthma, MS, ME and osteoporosis.

For further details and to book a place contact Carole Sawers on 01942 404470.