BreathingSpace celebrated as “inspiring” model of community care

She observed how the centre’s person-centred community model could serve as inspiration for improving respiratory care services nationwide.

Asthma + Lung UK, a leading charity in respiratory health, supports individuals affected by conditions such as asthma, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, bronchiectasis and obstructive sleep apnoea.  

During her time at BreathingSpace, Sarah met with several members of Breathe Easy - a patient support group for those living with chronic lung conditions; providing peer support and workshops led by healthcare professionals to help members build vital self-management skills.  

Sarah’s visit highlighted the unique strengths of Breathe Easy within BreathingSpace’s broader approach, blending clinical support with peer and community engagement.  

Sarah Sleet, Chief Executive of Asthma + Lung UK, said: “It was fantastic to see the work at BreathingSpace and to talk to the brilliant team there. As a model of embedded community respiratory service, it was inspiring.  

“One of the key reasons for coming was also to hear directly from patients about their experiences. I really appreciated that, and it means we can tell a much more powerful story when we get to talk to some of the leaders who might be able to change things.”

During her visit, Sarah was joined by Jacqui Pollington, a respiratory nurse consultant at BreathingSpace.

Jacqui said: “Welcoming Sarah to BreathingSpace was a real privilege, and it was invaluable for her to engage directly with the Breathe Easy support group members.  

“Hearing about Sarah’s initiatives and the pioneering research led by Asthma + Lung UK was incredibly insightful, as these advancements are poised to transform the way lung conditions are prevented, diagnosed, and managed.  

“We will continue our relationship with this vital charity in the future and look forward to the benefits it will bring to our patients.”