A new course has been launched which will help people with a long term mental health diagnosis, develop self management skills. The first self management training course will begin in Wales later this month, in conjunction with the Mental Health Foundation and Ynys Mon Mind.

Thirty similar courses are due to be held throughout Wales, aiming to give people with a psychiatric diagnosis, the opportunity to learn self management techniques. The training will provide social care jobs in the form of teachers or mentors for the patients, meaning that such professionals can use their time more efficiently on other patients.

The courses want to help people feel in control of the symptoms of their illness, to increase confidence, a healthier lifestyle and improve relationships - indeed, these are all benefits of self management which they want to promote.

Clare Bailey, manager of the charity, Ynys Mon Mind, is working with the Mental Health Foundation and has trained as a facilitator for the project.

Jane Wycherley, project manager for the Foundation, said: "Clare and the management committee of Ynys Mon Mind have been incredibly supportive. They fully appreciate the value of supporting people to develop skills that can help them to take control of the symptoms of their illness and improve the quality of their lives."