GROUND-breaking weekend self-management courses for people with chronic conditions have been introduced by Ashton, Leigh and Wigan Primary Care Trust.

More than 300 people have benefited from the programme so far.

Pauline Harrison, Head of Communications and Expert Patients Programme Lead at the Trust, said: 'There are approximately 100,000 people with chronic conditions in the Wigan borough who could access these courses.

'The PCT will be taking further measures to reach as many of those people as possible, both through referral by health professionals and by direct patient self-referral. The courses, which run for six weeks, offer skills and techniques in pain management; how to cope with depression; how to deal with chronic fatigue; exercise and nutrition.

Courses are on offer across the borough all year round. A weekend course will begin on Saturday, January 14, 2006 at Leigh Library, Civic Square, Leigh from 10.30 am to 1pm.

Weekday courses are also planned for Shevington, Wigan and Ashton-in-Makerfield during February and March, and at other locations throughout 2006.

For information or to book a place, contact Carole Sawers, Expert Patients Programme Co-ordinator on 01942 404470.