News area
Breathe Easy Groups Network Days were held across the region in March and April. The feedback from participants was positive, with everyone saying how much they gained from talking to other Breathe Easy group members. A summary of the evaluation will be on the website when it has been completed.
Breathe Easy Week Well done and a big thank you from the BLF South West Team to all the Breathe Easy Groups who held events, raised money and promoted BLF and Breathe Easy!
Breathe Easy Week "Meet the Patients" event
As part of Breathe Easy Week 2008, Breathe Easy Group members were invited to meet their MPs at a reception at the House of Commons on Thursday 19th June. Accompanied by BLF staff, members were given the opportunity to talk to their MPs about the provision of pulmonary rehabilitation and follow-up courses in their local areas. The South West were represented by Jimmie Ewing, Chair, Breathe Easy Bath and his wife Betty; Kate Hill, Secretary, Breathe Easy East Devon; Aidre Puzey, Chair, Breathe Easy Taunton and her husband Colin; and Lesley Thompson, co-newsletter editor and PR volunteer, Breathe Easy Bournemouth. Marilyn Crump, BLF Development Officer for the South West, attended, and would like to thank the Breathe Easy members for giving their time to attend and contribute to this important event. It was a really enjoyable day and we hope to have raised awareness of the value of exercise for people living with a lung condition. Thanks also to Ruth Endacott, BLF Trustee, for attending the event and taking the time to talk to Breathe Easy members about the huge contribution they make to BLF.
Group launches
Breathe Easy Taunton launched on Wednesday 21st May. There was a fantastic turn out - over 50 people attended including the Mayor of Taunton, Dr Stone from Musgrove Park Hospital and members of the Respiratory Team. Everyone involved worked really hard to make this a successful event. A superb buffet was on offer, prepared by members of the Church, and the local WI produced a wonderful cake. We all wish Breathe Easy Taunton every success for the future, and we're sure they will continue to go from strength to strength.
Breathe Easy Salisbury officially launched on Wednesday 11th June. As well as attracting six new members, the event was attended by Dr Worley, Consultant from Salisbury District Hospital, and the Mayor Councillor Mrs Iris Evans and her consort, Mrs June Fittall. Nearly forty people attended to celebrate the launch. Committee members Adrian, David and Pat were ably assisted by June. Very well done to everyone and the South West Team wish the Group evey success for the future.
New Group development
Marilyn is currently working with Health Care Professionals in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire and Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset exploring the possibility of developing new Breathe Easy Groups. If you live in any of these areas and are interested in helping, please ring the Regional Office – we’d love to hear from you.
**New Group** Tewkesbury and District The first meeting of this new group will take place on Tuesday 15th July 2008, 2.00-4.00pm, Marina Court, Bredon Road, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire - meetings will subsequently be held on the 3rd Tuesday of the month. There will be guest speakers, advice, support and information - everyone welcome!
Breathe Easy Swindon now meets regularly on the 3rd Tuesday of each month, 1.30pm - 3.30pm, Queens Drive Methodist Church Hall, Whitbourne Avenue, Swindon. Please come along and join us!
Don't forget to look at our Regional Newsletter - click on the link below. If you'd like to receive your copy via email, please let us know. Thanks!
Newsletter
Newsletter August 2008
