Supporting people with COPD to live well

We designed and delivered a community engagement project, independently on behalf of NHS Somerset, to help Bridgwater residents who have COPD to live healthy and full lives. The project evaluation will help shape future service development to improve support and health outcomes.

What is COPD?

COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. It’s the name for a group of lung conditions that cause breathing difficulties, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

It mainly affects middle-aged or older adults who smoke or have smoked, though the risk also increases if you are exposed to dust fumes and chemicals at work, or if you had chest trouble or asthma in childhood.

There are treatments and medications that can help people breath more easily and be more active. There’s also a lot people can do themselves to manage their condition and this will make a big difference to their quality of life.

Why COPD in Bridgwater?

• Respiratory diseases cause more deaths in Somerset than any other type of condition apart from cancers and circulatory diseases. (Source: Public Health England – INHALE Profile)
• Bridgwater has a relatively high level of COPD (national prevalence is 1.9%, Bridgwater is 2.3% with 3.3% in more deprived areas).
• Less than 50% of people in these areas have had an annual review with their GP, so many will not be receiving support or have been diagnosed with COPD.
• Bridgwater is among the 20% most deprived areas in England and is one of Somerset’s areas of greatest deprivation, long term illness and disability.
• Bridgwater had the largest proportion of its population unvaccinated against COVID-19 (dose 1) which indicates barriers to accessing healthcare systems. (Somerset’s COVID vaccination mapping exercise)
• NHS England has identified chronic respiratory disease as a priority for local action to help reduce health inequalities.

Respiratory disease and health inequalities in Bridgwater​

Respiratory disease is a major cause of health-related issues and mortality in Somerset. COPD has a higher prevalence in Bridgwater than many areas in the county and in England. Bridgwater North is the most deprived area in Somerset and the heightened rates of COPD in Bridgwater are closely linked to health inequalities and social disparities.

Effective treatments and medications are available to enhance breathing capacity and overall activity levels. People can also take proactive measures to manage their condition, significantly enhancing their quality of life. However, when the project was commissioned, less than 50% of people in Bridgwater had an annual review with their GP, meaning that many people had not been diagnosed with COPD and were not receiving support.

Our work

We connected and collaborated with local people who have COPD and breathing difficulties, as well as their families, friends and caregivers. 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.

How did we make a difference?

People who participated in the project experienced several positive outcomes, including improvements to physical and mental health, increased social connection, and better access to practical support.

“My lungs don’t feel so laboured, and I have better breathing control.”

“Mentally, I feel more positive, not as isolated and troubled by my diagnosis as I was.”

Through the project evaluation we demonstrated the benefits of providing COPD community support activities and gained valuable insight to help NHS Somerset enhance diagnosis, care and support for COPD patients in Bridgwater and beyond.