New Breathe Easy groups are usually started by health professionals who have seen a real need among their patients for mutual support, information and advice about their lung condition.
The groups are run by patients, for patients, but the health professional is a central figure in all Breathe Easy groups in ensuring that the group is successful in providing support to its members and in assisting the group to grow and develop.
We understand that health professionals have a lot of demands on their time and so it is not expected that they will run the group. But we do ask them to stay involved, acting as the group's medical adviser. Each new group that starts receives a start-up grant to help cover running costs for the first year or so. The group will also receive support and advice from their regional office, through the Support and Development Manager or the Breathe Easy Development Officer.
If you are interested in starting a new group, would like to find out a bit more, then please contact your regional office. They will send you an information pack containing information about the British Lung Foundation, Breathe Easy and the first steps in starting a group.
