People with lung conditions and those who care for them can often feel alone. Making friends is important for people living with lung disease and Breathe Easy provides a good opportunity for that to happen.

The Breathe Easy network includes groups that meet in many different towns and cities in the UK. Through events like the annual Breathe Easy Week, Breathe Easy also works hard to raise awareness of lung disease and the problems it can cause.

These groups provide informal, friendly discussions in a supportive atmosphere for local residents living with chronic lung conditions, and their carers. It is an excellent opportunity to share experiences about living with chronic lung conditions, whether attending for just one meeting or regularly every month.

Presentations are made by members of the Royal Brompton Hospital COPD team, in addition to guest speakers from inside and outside the Trust. Topics covered include inhaler technique, holidaying with a lung condition, latest research, and control of breathlessness.

When: The Breathe Easy group meets at the Royal Brompton Hospital, on the second Tuesday of every month, from 2.15pm to 4pm.

Meeting programme for summer/winter 2011:

• 12 July: British Lung Foundation / Psychological impact of lung disease

• 09 August: Welfare & Benefits

• 13 September: Art and COPD              

• 11 October: Research in COPD

• 08 November: Indoor Air Quality and Air Text

• 13 December: Christmas 2011

Where: Royal Brompton Hospital, Respiratory Biomedical Research Unit, Clinical Research Facility, First Floor, Fulham Wing, Fulham Road, SW3 6NP

For more information please contact Marella O'Sullivan on 020 7688 5557 (British Lung Foundation) or Graziele Cossi on 020 7351 8029 (Royal Brompton Hospital). Alternatively, visit the British Lung Foundation website. Here you will also find information on how to contact local groups outside the Kensington and Chelsea area.