Live Well with COPD (LWCOPD) was formed in July 2016 by a small group of COPD sufferers determined to improve their own lives and the lives of all those in the Gosport and Fareham areas who also suffer. It was registered with the Charities Commission in November 2017 and has gone from strength to strength.
At a very early stage it was clear that the one thing we could do to improve our lives was to exercise and keep ourselves mobile to improve muscle strength. When the NHS pulled out of the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Maintenance Exercise Sessions due to funding issues, LWCOPD seamlessly took it on and has since started more sessions, all of which are well attended. Not only do they provide essential exercise they also act as a social gathering.
Our main aims and objectives are:
Raise local awareness and communications in the COPD arena, supported by the community respiratory integrated services (CRIS) team, including:
Support treatment of COPD (including Inhaler use).
Promote pulmonary rehab and maintenance groups.
Demonstrate how to hold exacerbations at bay and extend the plateau of wellness.
Provide a caring environment.
Promoting Education; Health, Saving lives within the group and the wider arena.
LWCOPD also run a varied social calendar of activities for all of its members, including quiz nights, skittles nights and numerous coach trips to places of interest.
LWCOPD is a local charity for those who suffer with Respiratory Conditions, their carers and families. It is run by and for those with COPD.