Project case study:
Community engagement to inform service development
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.
Respiratory disease and health inequalities in Bridgwater
Respiratory diseases continue to be a significant cause of health-related issues and mortality in Somerset. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (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.
Read the reports
Summary report
Supporting people to live well with COPD – Evaluating the impact of community support on the health and wellbeing of people living with COPD in Bridgwater Somerset
Download (PDF 1MB, Dec 2024)
Full report
Evaluation of the COPD project in Bridgwater (by Research your Way Ltd)
Download (PDF 1MB, May 2024)
Working with:
“This evaluation has demonstrated the effectiveness of the Evolving Communities COPD project’s approach in supporting those living with the condition and other respiratory illnesses in Bridgwater. The collaborative approach, involving the community and voluntary sector, was instrumental in its success.”
“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.”
Other consultancy projects
Consultancy services
Stakeholder engagement and insight
Service evaluation and development
Community engagement and co-production
User advisory groups
