Anyone aged 18 years and over who lives in Sandwell or has a Sandwell doctor and has a term health condition of any kind e.g. arthritis, diabetes, back problems, heart conditions, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, depression etc or their carers.
Referral route
Please call the Sandwell Lifestyle Choices One Number on 0800 0114656 to speak to an advisor who can tell you more and refer you into the service.
Specific ethnic group?
No
Summary of services
The Expert Patient Programme is a free six week course. Initially participants undergo a free health check which covers blood pressure, body mass index, waist measurement, weight and a questionnaire. This is followed by weekly group discussion lasting approximately two and a half hours per week where people can talk about health issues and ways to improve their quality of life. The weekly sessions will cover topics such as managing depression, anger, fear, frustration and pain; healthy eating and exercise; how to manage medication and work with health professionals; goal setting and problem solving. There is a further, final health check at the end. The sessions are delivered by volunteers who themselves have long term health conditions.
