By Tony Flood.
Pictures by Heather Flood
Breatheasy Eastbourne are an excellent support group for people affected by lung conditions, asthma, COPD, bronchiectasis, IPF, carcinoma and asbestosis, including friends, family and carers.
Their aim is to ensure the well-being of those with these conditions, offering them a safe meeting place where they can express themselves without prejudice.
The group meets on the third Tuesday of every month from 2 pm to 5 pm to chat over a hot drink, share experiences and knowledge, and listen to speakers giving talks on a wide range of subjects including medical advice.
Breatheasy are run by people who themselves have lung illnesses so fully understand what members are suffering.
Chief Executive Officer Kimberlee Cole says: “The uniqueness of Breatheasy is that we support people in so many ways.
“We arrange pulmonary rehabilitation maintenance classes in the Eastbourne, Lewes, Polegate and Wealden areas. We provide a support line and a home-visiting pulmonary rehabilitation maintenance exercise for people unable to attend community-based exercise. We also work very closely with other services.”
Breatheasy Eastbourne have around 240 members, and up to 45 attend their monthly meetings. They recently changed their meeting place to The Breathe Centre,142 Whitley Road, Eastbourne, BN22 8LT, which has excellent parking facilities.
The group also caters for family members and carers, and there is a wide range of activities designed to promote a healthier lifestyle.
Kimberlee points out: “The various activities include friendly and welcoming support group meetings, speakers on a variety of topics, including health, welfare, finance etc., a monthly general knowledge quiz, bumper raffle and an accessible disability allotment. We also arrange outings for our service users.”
There is no fee for joining Breatheasy so potential new members are invited to simply go along to a monthly meeting for a cuppa and a chat. Alternatively, you may come across one of Breatheasy’s fundraising events at local summer shows or in local shopping centres and supermarkets.
Breatheasy Eastbourne, a registered charity, have a hard-working team supporting Kimberley. They include her husband Steven Banks and fellow trustee Bev Owen, accountant Louisa Anderson, secretary Sue Hayes and fundraiser Maureen Stanford.
The group are looking for more volunteer helpers. Those wishing to either offer or receive help can obtain further details by emailing Kimberlee at breatheeasyeastbourne@gmail.com or telephoning 07949 811599.
* There are support groups throughout the UK for people with lung conditions, which are often caused by smoking, infections, genes and the aftereffects of COVID-19. These groups can be found via Google.
