A new support group for people with chronic lung disorders has started in the west.
The Western Breathers for LIFE, which stands for “Lung Information and Friendship for Everyone”, held its first meeting on Friday. The group will meet every second Friday of the month from 10am to noon at the Kelly Park Centre in Werribee, with a gold coin donation towards tea and coffee.
Chairman Harry Bacon said he would like to thank Wyndham council for providing the Kelly Park venue for the meetings. Mr Bacon said the group, which is registered with the Lung Foundation Australia, was open to residents of Wyndham, Brimbank, Melton, Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay.
He said people with any kind of chronic lung condition – be it asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchitis or pulmonary fibrosis – would be welcome, along with their carers, to participate in education and social functions.
The group’s founding members include Mr Bacon, Maree Whitney, Glenece Fahey, Leanne Rouvray and Raelyn Buntine, who are all former participants of the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program, which is part of Werribee Mercy Hospital’s Health Independence Program.
Hospital nurse Wendy Dick, who was last year’s Werribee Mercy Hospital nurse of the year, is serving as an advisor to the Western Breathers for LIFE committee.
Ms Dick said people who attended the group would be able to share tips and advice on how to deal with their lung conditions.
Contact Mr Bacon on 0400 988 872 or westernbreathers@gmail.com for details.
