A COPD roadshow is coming to a Wirral area to help those affected by the disease.
Chiesi UK & Ireland, in association with the UK lung charity Asthma + Lung UK, are bringing the You, Me & COPD roadshow to The Croft in Bromborough with a mobile hub.
From August 15-16 the roadshow will provide a space for people with COPD and their loved ones, and anyone interested in learning more about COPD, to access information and support.
Just over one million people in the UK are living with COPD, a respiratory disease affecting the lungs. COPD can cause a variety of symptoms including coughing and wheezing and can vary in severity.
Wirral faces a higher rate of COPD than the national average for England.
Ralph Blom, general manager, Chiesi UK & Ireland, said: “Following the positive feedback that we received from last year’s roadshow, we are proud to support those affected by COPD by bringing You, Me & COPD to towns and cities across the country for a second year running.
“Alongside Asthma + Lung UK, we aim to provide COPD patients and their families with the resources, information, and community support they need to live well with, and better understand and manage, their condition.”
A 2023 survey conducted by Chiesi UK & Ireland revealed that 74% of COPD patients in the North West have felt less able to take part in social activities as a result of their condition, higher than any other surveyed region across the UK.
COPD patients in the North West were also the most likely to want further support to better manage the mental / emotional impact of COPD (with 78% responding that this would be useful or very useful).
When visiting the bespoke mobile hub, people living with COPD and their friends and family members are able to access information, support and speak to healthcare professionals such as nurses and pharmacists onsite about the condition without judgement.
A local healthcare professional will also be on-site, alongside a representative from Asthma + Lung UK, to share information on local COPD support services and direct patients to safe spaces beyond the mobile hub.
Dr Andy Whittamore, clinical lead at Asthma + Lung UK, said: “If you are in the Bromborough area living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), drop into the You, Me and COPD Roadshow if you can.
“It’s worrying to see the results of Chiesi’s survey showing the negative impact COPD has on people’s ability to take part in social activities, which are such an important part of our lives.
“At the COPD hub, you’ll be able to talk in confidence to an Asthma + Lung UK healthcare advisor, who will be able to give you advice and tips on ways to best manage and live well with your condition. At Asthma + Lung UK we’re proud to be part of this important initiative, which has already helped so many people living with COPD.”
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