Long-term respiratory conditions
What is a long-term respiratory condition?
Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and emphysema are all long-term conditions which affect the lung and for which there are treatments but no cure. The number of people living with long-term conditions in the Wakefield district is quite high. Because of this the PCT has identified it as one of its key areas of focus.
Finding support locally
If you or someone you know or care about, are affected by a lung disease it can be very difficult. Life can change quite dramatically. People can feel scared, confused, and alone, so joining a support group can be really helpful.
Breathe Easy
Making friends is important for people living with lung disease and Breathe Easy 
provides a good opportunity for that to happen.
Breathe Easy is the British Lung Foundation support group network. There are over 200 groups throughout the UK offering support and information to anyone affected by lung disease. The local Breathe Easy group meets in Pontefract on the 2nd Thursday of every month at St Giles Church, Pontefract, 1.30pm-3.00pm.
- Contact: Margaret Tait on telephone 0191 263 0276.
The Wheezers
The Wheezers is a support group run by people with breathing difficulties, for people with breathing difficulties. Membership is open to all who live with breathing difficulties and their carers, partners, friends etc.
The Wheezers are a friendly group who meet once a month usually on the first Thursday evening at around 7pm at Pinderfields General Hospital in Wakefield. They meet in the hospital's lecture theatre, which is just off the main corridor past the dining room on the left.
The group always have a speaker sometimes medical, sometimes humorous, but always interesting. Light refreshments and a quiz are usually on the agenda. They also organise outings to shows and other places of interest.
- Contact: Don Leicester on telephone 01924 365115.
