JerryG,
The best people in the UK for a distance learning (correspondence) course are Bristol Ground School. But they only offer the full ATPL(H) syllabus, not the shorter CPL(H) syllabus. (Oh, avoid Dragon Helicopters' CPL(H) course although Paco's/CAPT CPL(H) course might be of interest to him - PM Paco for more details).
Also, be aware that any of the UK distance learning courses will require attendance in the UK for the pre-exam 'brush-up' course and (probably) for sitting the exams themselves.
However, the best bet for your buddy will be to get him registered on here then to get him to start searching. ATPL(H) vs CPL(H) and the various groundschool providers have already been discussed ad infinitum!
Hope this helps,
B73