The report, Supporting people to live well with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), evaluates the impact of a community engagement project carried out in 2023-2024 in Bridgwater, Somerset, where there are heightened rates of COPD and associated health inequalities.
The project, which was delivered independently by Evolving Communities on behalf of NHS Somerset, focused on understanding the needs of people living with COPD and aimed to improve diagnosis, care, and support.
Through a series of engaging and accessible community activities, including ‘Sing 2 Breath’ sessions for breathing and anxiety management, informal coffee and chat mornings, and facilitated support groups, the project encouraged participants to actively manage their condition and fostered a sense of community and social connection. These sessions were supported by a Project Coordinator and volunteer Community Connectors with lived experience of COPD, helping participants feel understood and supported in a non-judgmental space.
Key findings: Positive Impacts on health, wellbeing, and social connectivity
People who participated in the project experienced several positive outcomes.
- Physical health improvements: Participants experienced greater breathing control and improved posture as a result of increased physical activity.
“My lungs don’t feel so laboured, and I have better breathing control.”
- Enhanced mental health and emotional wellbeing: The project helped participants gain more control of their breathing which alleviated anxiety, and built confidence, positivity, and a sense of empowerment in managing COPD.
“Mentally, I feel more positive, not as isolated and troubled by my diagnosis as I was.” - Increased social connectivity: The sense of belonging and connection created through the project helped reduce social isolation and strengthened community ties among participants and health and care groups and support services.
“The best thing is feeling part of a group and the amazing amount of laughter and joy that each session brings.” - Access to practical support: Participants shared valuable tips and information and became more aware of available health and support services, learning to manage COPD more effectively in daily life.
“The best thing is listening to other people’s stories, sharing knowledge, and helpful tips.”
Recommendations: For future COPD support in Bridgwater and beyond
The report concludes that it would be beneficial for COPD community support activities to continue and includes recommendations for how NHS Somerset could extend the positive impacts of future initiatives.
- Ongoing and varied promotion: Use diverse promotional methods to increase awareness of support groups, including reaching those who are digitally excluded, and raise awareness via all healthcare and community settings.
- Enhanced social media engagement: Use social media to reach more people and attract wider participation, including by sharing personal testimonials and interactive content.
- Strategic information timing: Provide details on support groups at different stages in patients’ healthcare journeys, and don’t overwhelm them too soon after diagnosis.
- Multiple and accessible locations: Hold activities across multiple community hubs to improve access and participation.
- Holistic support: Engage a range of professionals to address both medical and social support needs.
- Long-term funding: Seek sustained funding sources to continue support services and develop peer support networks.
NHS Somerset will use the project evaluation to inform ongoing work aimed at supporting people living with chronic conditions, including COPD, and reducing related health disparities in Somerset.
Vicky Wright, Long Term Conditions Commissioning Manager, NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB), said:
“Somerset ICB will continue to work with groups though various channels to provide a consistent message to ensure the project remains visible. We are committed to using diverse locations for groups and activities for all groups across the ICB to ensure accessibility for participants. Personalised care and holistic support integration is something that is a priority and is being focused on across the system.
“The next step for Somerset is to look at how we can replicate the work done within this COPD project, to create similar groups for multimorbidity, to provide peer support for the population of Somerset, and enhance the patients voice in the commissioning of services to support their needs.”
For more information read the COPD project case study and the reports (in full and summary).