A NEW support group has been set up for sufferers of Long Covid.

It will hold free weekly sessions in Blackburn Library on Wednesdays between 1pm and 2.30pm, starting on September 22.

They are aimed at Blackburn with Darwen residents who have been suffering the after-effects of a coronavirus infection for 12 weeks or more.

Typical symptoms include: extreme tiredness, breathlessness, problems with memory and concentration, joint pain, insomnia,tinnitus and earache, depression and other mental health problems.

The four-week programme addresses various aspects of health and wellbeing after Covid illness in groups of up to eight people.

Sayyed Osman, Blackburn with Darwen Council's strategic director for adults and health, said: "We’ve worked with neighbouring boroughs to develop our own plans for a Long Covid support group.

"It will give sufferers the chance to connect and share their experiences with others.

"It’s always helpful to know that you’re not alone when experiencing difficulty like this, and I’d encourage anyone who has been struggling after illness with Covid to consider getting involved.

"It’s estimated that one in every 10 people who test positive for Covid experience symptoms for more than 12 weeks."

Cllr Mohammed Khan, the leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "I’m really pleased that we can use government funding to support local Long Covid sufferers and help them find ways to ease their symptoms and, hopefully, get back to better health."