East Lancashire Pulmonary Fibrosis Support Group

East Lancashire Pulmonary Fibrosis Support Group is a small support group which was set up in 2015.

What is Pulmonary Fibrosis? Pulmonary fibrosis (lung scarring) describes a group of interstitial lung diseases where the lungs become progressively stiffer and smaller, eventually leading to low oxygen levels in the blood. Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) affects around 70,000 people in the UK.

Our group aims to make a positive impact on the quality of life of those affected by providing a safe caring environment to share their common experiences whilst educating on a variety of topics affecting daily life. This has ranged from patient stories/journeys, specialist speakers e.g., consultants/nurses/dietitians/pulmonary rehabilitation team, speakers from charities such as Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis, Asthma + Lung UK, AgeUK, Minds Matter, the local hospice to name a few. Over the years, many different speakers have provided valuable information and resources to patients and their carers/families. In addition, the support group aims to have a social element by engaging in activities organised such as bingo, pub quizzes, charity nights etc to boost morale, encourage attendance and raise awareness.

The primary focus of our group has always been to provide patients and their carers/families a safe environment to discuss their experiences, knowledge, feelings, gain peer support in understanding their conditions and how best to manage it. The group aims to bring in speakers to educate on many topics relevant to their condition or circumstances. This includes specialist information and guidance from clinicians/consultants as well as raising awareness on recent developments in treatments and trial opportunities, talks on mental/physical/emotional well-being, finances, dietary information etc. Furthermore, we endeavour to signpost carers and patients to any other national support services as well as taking feedback to assess and improve our services. We take patient ideas onboard for future meetings and aim to facilitate and steer the group in a manner that suits their needs.

Our group is entirely funded through voluntary donations and currently our resources are low. Any donations made will pay for the venue and recurring costs, buy supplies for activities, food, drinks, advertising to raise awareness and promote the group, speakers, Christmas hampers/lunches, bingo, charity nights and any printing costs associated with literature for the group.

We would be very grateful for any support you can offer to continue to run this group and provide the emotional support it's member require.

You have the potential to make a difference to someone's life.

Thank you in anticipation.