Did you know that if you have a diagnosed respiratory condition you may be eligible for Pulmonary Rehabilitation? Patients who are eligible are referred to the service by their GP or respiratory consultant and during the course are shown how to exercise safely and manage their breathlessness, within group classes under the supervision of BOC Healthcare’s respiratory specialists. Patients are encouraged and supported to continue to exercise at home after they complete the course. They also attend talks to learn about their respiratory condition so that they can better self-manage their health, reduce the risk of suffering exacerbations and maintain a good quality of life. The exercise and education programmes will be held at a number of venues across Somerset. Ask your healthcare professional for more information.

There are Somerset classes in Wanstrow, Norton Fitzwarren and Highbridge.

A support group for people who have COPD and their family/carers. First Wednesday of every month. 10.30-12 noon. Frome Medical Practice in the Boardroom upstairs. For details contact Jenny.

Breathe Easy Bath and District is a support group for people affected by lung conditions including their friends, family and carers. The group meets on the first Thursday of the month in the afternoon, Odd Down Surgery, Sullis Manor Road, Odd Down, Bath, BA2 2AL. Call for time.

If you know of any Breathe Easy groups based in Mendip, please let Health Connections Mendip know.

If you or a loved-one has been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness, Dorothy House are here to offer support. We care for people with cancer and non-cancer diagnoses and we provide 80% of our services directly in the community.

There’s a myth that hospices are just places to die. In truth, our job is to help everyone live their life to its fullest potential. By connecting with people earlier after diagnosis, we can help them achieve their goals – no matter how big or small.

We provide outstanding palliative and end of life care, giving patients, their families and carers access to specialists in a range of services.

All our services are free of charge. To be referred to Dorothy House you will need to talk to your GP, district nurse or other healthcare professional or if you would like to discuss how we might be able to support you, a relative, carer or friend, please contact us.