Merlin helps residents to breathe easy

Published by Hywel LLoyd for Merlin Housing Society in Housing and also in Communities, Health

Merlin Housing Society has teamed up with North Bristol NHS Trust to run a care group to help residents with lung conditions.

Merlin is hosting a new Breathe Easy group which will provide advice on how people with breathing issues can manage their condition. The group is being run by South Gloucestershire Community Health Services, which is part of the trust, and in partnership with the British Lung Foundation. Although there are similar groups running in Bristol, Bath and Gloucestershire, this is the first group of its kind for South Gloucestershire residents.

Health care professionals will be on hand to help people understand the different aspects of their conditions. But it will also be a chance for people to meet up with others with similar conditions to talk about their experiences.

The first meeting will take place at the communal lounge at Masons View supported housing scheme in Winterbourne on Thursday 1 December from 2pm – 4pm.

Ruth Lane, Service Manager for Support & Extra Care at Merlin, said: “We’re delighted to be working with South Gloucestershire Community Health Services to provide this new support group for local people. We’re committed to supporting our residents to live independently in their homes and believe these services can be of great benefit.”

Martine Stanhope, Clinical Lead - Yate Locality (South Gloucestershire Community Health Services), said: "This is an important opportunity for us to build a productive partnership with Merlin Housing Society and the British Lung Foundation that we are sure will be of great benefit in supporting people with lung conditions across South Gloucestershire."

After the first meeting, the group will meet every six weeks. For more information, or to book your place on the group, contact South Gloucestershire Community Health Services on 01454 322627.