Exercise, Support and Advice
The BLF supports people affected by lung diseases. The BLF helps people to understand their condition and manage it as far as they can. Often this means by properly organised exercise, albeit of a very sedentary nature and after receiving proper professional advice. The following is a brief guide as to what sufferers may be doing to help themselves locally. 
(Please take advice before commencing any form of new exercise)
The COPD Team !
The Colchester Area is lucky to have a dedicated COPD team of nurses, a facility that is not universally the case in all regions. The following is a recent message from the team and you are invited to visit their web page to find out more.
"The COPD Team continues to care for people with COPD across North East Essex. Recently, there have been made some changes to our website which can be visited on http://www.northeastessexpct.nhs.uk/content.asp?page_id=337. We are currently recruiting a new member of staff to replace Debs Rampton, who sadly left our team a couple of months ago to start up her own business renting out VW Campervans!! Other than that, the team is working hard to develop new services for our patients and we will keep you up to date of any developments."
The Heavy Breathers!
Breathless - Not helpless !
A Number of Colchester BreatheEasy members took part in a pilot scheme operated by The British Lung Foundation whereby they met on a regular basis to carry out some exercise designed to assist their breathing.
At the close of the pilot a number of those who participated in the pilot decided they liked the discipline of regular group exercise and the social intercourse that took place. A voluntary group was therefore started which is independent of the BLF and although all members are Colchester BreatheEasy members, the HEAVY BREATHERS group (as we like to call ourselves),is indeed independent of Colchester BreatheEasy also.
Other facility available soon
We have learned that a trainer employed at Colchester Leisure Centre has been trained up by the British Lung Foundation so that he too will be able to offer approved exercises to people who have been assessed as likely to benefit from them. Full details, cost and venue is not yet known but expressions of interest can now be made to:-
Brett Gooch at the Leisure Centre, 01206 282045 or email:- brett.gooch@colchester.gov.uk
(Mention Colchester BreatheEasy)
Independent Community Physiotherapy Service
The Body Challenge Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Centre
(Whitehall Rd Ind.Est Colchester)
The Colchester BreatheEasy group has contacts with the above mentioned establishment which provides a full range of Physiotherapy service together with a range of Alternative Therapies. People who are suffering from COPD or other lung complaints they may wish to make enquiries to see if the facilities offered here are of benefit to them.
In particular we mention the :-
Rehabilitation Gym
They have gym facilities available for use by clients with medical and neurological conditions, older clients and for those who are obese.
The equipment includes bespoke kit for clients who are in wheelchairs.
They are able to give personalised programs to every client according to their individual needs.
The Physiotherapists and fitness instructors are present to give advice and support and adapt/progress programs when required.
There are standing frames available for use for those that benefit from regular stands.
Contact: Phone 08450341539 E-mail: Katie
(Mention Colchester BreatheEasy)
