The COPD Community Connectors were at The Iron Works on Wednesday 15th November to raise awareness and share local knowledge to help support people living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

They were joined by staff from the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Team, Stop Smoking Team, and Community Respiratory Team and people were able to have their COVID jab as well as a cuppa and a chat. People were given the opportunity to share what they felt helped them live a happy and healthy life and what the barriers were.

People were given the opportunity to share what they felt helped them live a happy and healthy life and what the barriers were. This information supports the work that the Community Connectors are involved with. For more information and to complete a COPD Experience Questionnaire please click here.

Steve Bowen, who has COPD himself, set himself the challenge to complete 240km in 15 days to help raise awareness of COPD and finished his challenge at The Iron Works, exceeding his target by 33.37km. Steve said:

“It is so important to keep as active as you can within your abilities because exercise strengthens the breathing muscles which helps to ease shortness of breath. Do what you can whilst you can.”

Community Connectors are available to chat to at The One Love Project in Carnarvon Road SS2 6LR on Wednesdays 11am – 2pm and at the Drop-In at Shoebury Youth Centre, Delaware Road SS3 9NS on Thursdays 11am – 12noon.

If you would like more information or to talk about your experiences, please call Sara Hadden on 07944 056547 or email connectors@savs-southend.co.uk