On September 17, HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) is launching a new course to help people with HIV become experts in their own condition.  The course is to be held at THT in Birmingham throughout the year, each course lasts six weeks and sessions will be held every Wednesday from 1-3.30pm.

The expert patient programme is an NHS self management course for anyone living with a long term health condition.  The course for people with HIV will address issues like dealing with pain and extreme tiredness, coping with feelings of depression, relaxation techniques, exercise and healthy eating.  It will also cover communicating with family, friends and health professionals and planning for the future.

Jane Morel, Regional Manager for THT in the West Midlands said “HIV can have a huge impact on someone’s life.  This course aims to help people cope with and manage their condition effectively, it’s also an opportunity for people to meet others in a similar situation and share experiences. The tutors delivering the course are living with HIV themselves, so can understand some of the challenges that people might be facing.”

Funding for the course has been provided by Heart of Birmingham Primary Care Trust, South Birmingham Primary Care Trust and Birmingham East and North Primary Care Trust.

It will be held at Terrence Higgins Trust, Unit G7, 48-52 Floodgate street Birmingham, B5 5SL.  Anyone who is living with HIV and is interested in attending should call 0121 694 6440 or email: info.birmingham@tht.org.uk to book a place.

Ends