CANCER self-management courses are to be offered to sufferers and their families in Herefordshire.

Wye Valley NHS Trust has become the first Trust in England to provide the free six week course to help people manage the day to day impact of living with cancer.

The course, open to people and families living with and beyond cancer, starts on May 9 at the Kindle Centre, Hereford.

It will provide advice on managing symptoms, coping with fatigue, healthy eating, relaxation, and support for patients, carers and family members.

Sue Tobey, Expert Patient’s Programme Co-ordinator at Wye Valley NHS Trust, said: “We’re delighted to be able to run this course in Herefordshire as a pilot, which is based on the Expert Patient Programme self-management programme that has helped to improve the lives of many people living locally.

“It’s a great opportunity to empower people to take more control of their lives by learning new ways to optimise their health and wellbeing, and offer support to their families and carers.

“It’s often not until people take part that they realise there are other ways to improve their quality of life, which can simply be sharing experiences and tips with other people living with cancer.

“If this pilot is successful we plan to run further courses for people living with cancer in Herefordshire”.

To find out more or to book a place, call Sue Tobey on 01432 364463 or 07814477709 or email sue.tobey@wvt.nhs.uk