What we are doing

The British Lung Foundation is extending its Integrated Breathe Easy Group model, increasing the numbers of people living with lung conditions and their carers, who will benefit from peer support, health information and regular social and exercise activities. The project, being delivered in the four nations of the UK, promotes and enables self-care that boosts lung health.

What we are learning

From previous projects we know that;

• People living with a lung condition in Integrated Breathe Easy groups are more confident managing their lung condition and more in control of their lung condition.
• Attendance at groups can reduce the need for GP visits and unplanned hospital admissions.

In this project we are finding that;

• Working in partnership with NHS organisations, healthcare professionals and volunteers who understand and are passionate about improving lung health can bring about innovative and effective results.
• Endorsement and promotion of project activity by GP practices is proving enormously successful in encouraging people to find out more about the project and its benefits.
• People affected by lung conditions are reporting better understanding of their lung condition, where to find relevant information, and what to do if they become unwell, as a result of attending Respiratory Information Events.
• Delivery of ‘taster sessions’ of activities such as singing, exercise or Tai Chi, is leading to interest in weekly activity and renewed confidence in taking part in more regular activity.

Our ambitions to grow through Accelerating Ideas

The British Lung Foundation is enhancing the Integrated Breathe Easy model, and scaling the network across the UK. Reach is being increased by:

• Establishing strong, active partnerships with NHS organisations who are real stakeholders in delivery.
• Targeting delivery in areas of high prevalence of lung conditions and finding innovative ways to engage hard to reach communities.
• Actively involving people affected by lung conditions in future service design, in order to remain responsive to need and empower voluntary action.
• Working with people with living with lung conditions and their carers to develop innovative engagement opportunities; for example, singing, Tai Chi and exercise that boosts wellbeing as well as lung health.