Expert Patients Programme

The Expert Patients Programme (EPP) is a free course for anyone living with one, or more, long-term health condition, or cares for someone with a long-term condition, in Croydon. (The long-term condition may be something like: Diabetes, arthritis, depression, hypertension, respiratory diseases, fibromyalgia, etc)

The 6-week course is designed to boost your health and wellbeing, find solutions to common problems and help you feel more confident to manage your condition.   

Weekly sessions cover a range of topics including: 

  • Managing symptoms 
  • Dealing with pain and tiredness 
  • Coping with feelings of depression and anxiety 
  • Healthy eating 
  • Exercise  
  • Managing stress  
  • Planning for the future 
  • Communicating with family, friends and health care professionals 
  • Finding other health services in the community 

The Expert Patients Programme complements the care and support you already receive from healthcare professionals and will make you aware of other services and resources available in your area.  

How has EPP helped other people? 

People who have taken part in the course have reported that it has helped them to: 

  • Feel confident and more in control of their life 
  • Manage their condition and treatment together with healthcare professionals 
  • Be realistic about the impact of their condition on themselves and their family 
  • Use their new skills and knowledge to improve their quality of life 
Who runs the course?  

Each course is delivered by two fully trained tutors. One or both will have a personal experience of living with a long-term health condition.  

How does it work?  

The course is delivered over six weeks, in sessions lasting 2.5 hours with refreshment breaks included. There’s also an opportunity at the end of the session to chat and get to know the other people in your group.  

What will it cost?  

The course is free for anyone who has one, or more, long-term health conditions

How can I take part in a course?  

The course is open to self-referrals, as well as referrals from doctors and other professionals. 

You must be registered with a Croydon GP.

Click here to register online

Contact:  
  • Email: epp@arccltd.com
  • Tel: 020 8684 3784 

Melissa Allison-Forbes, BME Forum EPP Coordinator 

  • Email: melissa@bmeforum.org 
  • Tel: 020 8684 3784

Published: Nov 16, 2023