The spotlight on...Morecambe Bay Pulmonary Support Group

Every month we will feature a different voluntary, community or faith sector organisation across the Bay. This time the spotlight is on…Morecambe Bay Pulmonary Fibrosis Support Group. 

Morecambe Bay Pulmonary Fibrosis Support Group was set up by Wendy Jones, Regional Support Coordinator for Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis, in May 2021 as a lasting legacy to her mum Diana Jones who died from Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). You can read Diana’s full story here.

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a devastating and fatal lung disease that kills over 5,000 people per year in the UK.  The cause of IPF is unknown and there is no cure at present. The group is supported by Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis.

What services does your organisation offer?

Wendy said: "Being diagnosed and living with a lung condition can be challenging. Support groups offer the opportunity to meet others who understand what you are going through, and are open to anyone affected by pulmonary fibrosis - patients, family, carers and friends.

"Morecambe Bay Pulmonary Fibrosis Support Group provide peer support and friendship. We meet online at the moment but hope to meet face-to-face very soon. Each meeting has a guest speaker and then there is time to ask questions and share tips and information.

"Our first meeting was held in online in October 2021."

How many people are currently using the service?

Wendy said: "We estimate that hundreds of people could benefit from attending this group so it is important that we spread the message that we are here covering the whole Morecambe Bay area. At present we only have a few regulars although it is early days."

What has the feedback been from service users?

Wendy said: "Very positive. People have been grateful to have found us and say it has helped alleviate the isolation that this disease brings."

Are there any opportunities to get involved?

Wendy said: "Yes!  We welcome speakers and volunteers to help run the group particularly when we start to meet in person.

"We have a range of speakers on topics such as singing for lung health, keeping active, healthy eating, mental wellbeing, travel insurance and the latest news in research and treatments.

"Specialist staff are sometimes available for information and advice, and we also arrange informal social events from time to time."

How can I find out more?

You can find out more about Morecambe Bay Pulmonary Fibrosis Support Group and upcoming meeting dates at the Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis website here.

For more information and the link to join, contact Wendy Jones on 07500 660648 or email  morecambebaypfsg@gmail.com 

You can download a pdf version of the case study here.