The British Lung Foundation is the only UK charity working for everyone affected by lung disease. We focus our resources on providing support for people affected by lung disease today; and work in a variety of ways, including funding world-class research, to bring about positive change, to improve treatment, care and support for people affected by lung disease now and in the future.
One person in seven in the UK is affected by a lung disease. Whether it’s mild asthma or lung cancer, the British Lung Foundation is here for every one of them. This is what we do:
We support people affected by lung disease through the individual challenges they will face. Support is the focus of many of our activities, including our nationwide network of Breathe Easy support groups.
We help people to understand their condition. We do this by providing comprehensive and clear information on paper, on the web and on the telephone.
And we work for positive change in lung health. We do this by campaigning, raising awareness and funding world-class research.
Breathe Easy
Breathe Easy is the support network of the British Lung Foundation. The network includes over 22,000 people, with over 200 support groups across the UK – and the numbers are growing all the time.
We support people through regular group meetings, or simply by offering help over the phone. We have a PenPals scheme, enabling people to be in touch with others in the same situation.
Breathe Easy is also a powerful campaigning force for change, working hard at both local and national levels. It was thanks to a Breathe Easy campaign, for example, that the Department of Health agreed to a complete review of the way oxygen is provided in England and Wales.
Children
We also support parents and carers looking after young children with recurring chesty problems. Some have a diagnosed lung condition, others don’t – we are here for everyone.
Providing help and information
It is important for people to be able to understand lung disease. We produce a range of information on a wide variety of subjects, and we make it available to people on paper, on our website, and on the phone. All of our publications are free.
Our helpline, 08458 50 50 20, is open from 10am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. It is staffed by experienced respiratory nurses, parent counsellors, a paediatric nurse and welfare benefits advisers. They will be glad to offer help and advice.
As well as supporting those affected by lung disease today, the British Lung Foundation is working for a better future.
Campaigning
The British Lung Foundation campaigns hard for improvements in all areas of lung health. Breathe Easy supporters and members of the general public have worked with us to ensure that these issues remain on the agenda at Westminster – and in the political chambers of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
We also campaign to raise public awareness of lung disease and the impact it has on so many lives. We do this through poster campaigns, events and by maintaining our media profile.
Research
On average, the British Lung Foundation invests one million pounds a year in research projects – all aiming to improve the diagnosis or treatment of lung conditions.
We have funded research which means that: it’s now possible to measure lung capacity in infants; we can demonstrate the benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation; lung transplants are more likely to be successful.