IN ONE of the Noddy books he goes to see Dr Bear. The doctor is stern and says to Noddy: "You must not worry."

I try to avoid criticising colleagues, but I am not sure Dr Bear's approach would work.

Ordering someone 'not to worry' does not fit in with the modern 'patient-centred' approach.

The word 'doctor' literally means teacher. It is the role of the medical team to help people to help themselves.

We cannot impose our ideas. And this is particularly important for people with long-term medical conditions.

There are more than 17million people in the UK in this situation. This figure could double by 2030. The Health Foundation charity has invested £5million in a project called 'co-creating health' and Torbay is at the forefront of this research.

The project is taking place in eight centres across the UK. Torbay and St George's Hospital in London are leading on the self-management of depression.

Other long-term conditions being studied are diabetes, chest problems or COPD, and musculoskeletal problems.

Co-creating health means changing attitudes in both health professionals and patients. More than 500 clinicians are going through a training schedule and 2,000 people with long-term medical problems are joining a seven-week self-management programme.

But shouldn't doctors already listen to their patients and help them help themselves?

The charity is running advanced development programmes for GPs. To use the jargon, the technique being taught is based on 'motivational interviewing'.

The course consists of three half-day sessions. GPs can refresh their consultation skills in small groups with role-play using professional actors helped by experts in the field.

They are being taught to challenge patients; asking what they are expecting from the doctor and reflecting back the patient's ideas.

"I see your problem. On the one hand you want to control your diabetes, on the other hand take-away food is one of your few pleasures."

The GP can then help the patient decide which goals to aim for first and how to achieve them. If the doctor does give advice, it will be with phrases such as: "Can I try this idea on you?"

Dr Lorraine Foreman, a Paignton GP, commented: "The main lesson I learned is that I don't have to be a 'fixer' all the time. It is much better if the patient owns the solution. I have to ask permission before I give advice."

She added: "It is exciting to see 'the light go on' as a patient realises they can do something to help themselves and is doesn't have to involve taking pills."

She found the course so worthwhile and enjoyable that, in her large practice, almost all the doctors have booked a place.

The excitement is not only for the doctors. One patient felt that, at last, she had the tools to deal with her depression and the challenges life continually throws at her.

This approach helps patients suffering from depression without needing extra pills.

The doctor can refer the patient to a co-creating health self-management course. These local courses are free and last seven weeks.

Each session is three hours long and run by two specially trained people, one a clinician with experience of working with depression and the other a layperson living with depression.

They are open to anyone over 16 living in Torbay.

But not everyone likes the idea of group work or the commitment and so there are regular 'taster sessions'.

And you do not have to be referred by a GP. Anyone can ask to join the course by phoning 0800 030 4225 or 01803 210537.

I hope Dr Bear can book his place soon.