A TRAIL-BLAZING course designed to inform, guide and build the confidence of people with long-term illnesses is continuing its success story.

The latest graduates of the Expert Patient Programme in Rayleigh were rewarded for their work over the past six weeks with a certificate.

The programme works with people with conditions like diabetes, lung diseases, Parksinson’s disease and heart conditions, to improve their health and wellbeing. Among them is London cab driver Tom Howes, 65, of Hadleigh Close, Rayleigh.

He was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes seven years ago. He joined the group, which meets at Audley Mills surgery, Rayleigh, after receiving an invitation from his GP.

Despite being a bit unsure, he went along and now describes the course as a godsend.

Mr Howes said: “I was diagnosed when I changed doctors and had to have a check up. I gave a water sample and they discovered I had diabetes.

“They told me it was because I drink. I’m a bit of a binge drinker. But they said I had to change my ways or I’d have a heart attack or a stroke.

“It terrified me. I lost two stone in six weeks through stress – and exercising. Over the years I was told on occasion my sugar levels were up, but nobody actually told me what to do about it. They said watch E numbers but what bloke knows about that? It shattered my confidence.

“The programme was a godsend. I could talk to people who understood the problems and they gave me books and tips on exercise and coping with stress.”

By meeting health experts and people in similar situations, it helped ease the burden.

Mr Howes, who now drinks in moderation and exercises regularly, added: “It has given me so much confidence and most people on the course say the same. It was great as you were getting help without realising it. The team are really inspiring too.

“After seven years with no guidance and only seeing abrupt doctors it was marvellous to get help.”

The course is also designed to help people not to let their condition dictate their lives and to be more independent and less reliant on the NHS.

Linda Cairns, programme manager for NHS South East Essex, said: “We started with 20 people and finished with them all. We empower them to do more.”

Expert Patient Programmes are being offered by NHS South East Essex. Anyone suffering a long-term illness can sign up to the course by asking their GP.