Courses to help look after No1

People with long-term health conditions, such as diabetes, are being helped to take better care of themselves by NHS Oldham.

Around 950 people have taken part in a self-care course in a range of venues, from workplaces to schools and children’s centres.

This week is National Self Care Week and Oldham Community Health Services, part of NHS Oldham, which has been running successful self-care schemes for three years, has decided to offer its expertise to more people.

The week aims to raise awareness of the information and resources available to help any member of the public, but especially those with a long-term condition, to take control of their own health and well-being.

It follows the launch of Your health, Your way, a guide to long-term conditions and self-care, on the NHS Choices website (www.nhs.uk/yourhealth).

Jason Bromley, self-care co-ordinator, said: “It’s all about individuals taking responsibility for their own health and well-being, with support from health and social care professionals.

“Self-care includes the things people do every day to stay fit and maintain good physical and mental health, meet their social and psychological needs, prevent illness or accidents, and care more effectively for minor ailments and long-term conditions.

“People living with a long-term condition can benefit enormously from being supported to self-care.

“They can live longer, suffer less pain, anxiety, depression and fatigue, have a better quality of life and be more active and independent.”

Regular courses can be tailored to the needs of a particular group but tend to last six weeks.

For more information, contact Jason or Abby on 0161-621 7134/7166.