Expert Patient Programmes

Sarah Winterbourne is the Trainer in Somerset and Dorset for the Expert Patients Programme Community Interest Company. She is offering several different kinds of programs that will be of interest to people who either have diabetes, or for those who care for people with diabetes.

These six-week courses are for anyone with a long term health condition (i.e. Diabetes, Arthritis, Heart Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Liver Disease, Asthma, HIV/AIDS, ME, Osteoprosis, etc). The aim of the EEP course is to help people
to maintain their health and to improve their quality of life through
self-management.

Join a free “Expert Patient” course near you to learn (non-medical) life skills. All courses run from 10:30am to 1:00pm, for 6 weeks. Sarah Winterbourne/Jo Langley, Expert Patients Programme CIC, The Tramshed, Beehive Yard, Walcot Street, Bath, BA1 5BD. Tel: Jo - 01225 731324/Sarah - 07500 039738. Email: Sarah.Winterbourne@eppcic.co.uk

Further information go to:
www.expertpatients.co.uk

Download a <.pdf> Expert Patient pamphlet
with more information about this course.

All courses run for 6 consecutive weeks
and each session is two-and-a-half hours long

An expert patient writes:

“ How has being a member of this six week programme affected my view of life?
I’m sure it would be easy to feel hard done by – Diabetes is a pesky nuisance but the introductions at the opening session are guaranteed to put things into perspective.
Members described chronic diseases I’ve never heard of and long lists of complications and they still managed to smile and joke! I’m so glad I met them. The course was ably and sympathetically led by two people with relevant first hand experience. The lovely atmosphere of respect for each other which grew into friendship, made it easy to share experiences and we learned from one another. We learned about controlling pain with relaxation and deep breathing, we learned about the importance and benefits of the different types of exercise and we persevered with the weekly target setting. One or two members had done similar courses before but for me it was a new experience and a valuable lesson in self discipline. We learned that it isn’t necessary to plod on for many years just putting up with it – we CAN take more control of our situation. We identified problems and discussed ways of solving them ourselves or by accessing the appropriate resources. It’s the target setting which is proving to be the life-changing concept for me and possibly for others too. After a couple of sessions I understood the importance of setting realistic and specific targets and recognizing and admitting the reasons for failure. Improved self discipline can contribute much towards a more positive attitude. The programme has certainly given me a clearer overall view of my personal situation and such admiration for those with far greater problems than myself. It’s an empowering programme and I’m grateful to have taken part. Thank you PCT.” (Betty Harvey)

If you are interested in joining either of these Expert Training Courses, or want to hear about other ones in the future, contact

Sarah Winterbourne
Trainer Somerset and Dorset
Expert Patients Programme Community Interest Company
The Tramshed
Beehive Yard
Walcot Street
Bath BA1 5BD

Telephone: 01225 731415
Mobile: 07500 039738
E-mail: sarah.winterbourne@eppcic.co.uk

Sarah now has a FREEPHONE number for the Southern Region.
For participants to enrol or for more information please call
FREEPHONE number 0800 988 5520