Issue 5 | July - September 2016
The Quarterly Newsletter
Aimed at GPs and Voluntary Organisations
Supporting people to become more involved, connected and active in their communities healthy eating, exercise and practical advice such as use of inhalers, rescue packs and oxygen.
Supporting people with respiratory conditions to connect, support each other, engage in social activities and influence local services The Health Foundation has funded 7 pilot project sites within the East and West Midlands to focus on an assetbased approach to improve wellbeing and reduce the high levels of anxiety and social isolation observed in individuals with severe respiratory conditions such as COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, bronchiecstasis etc COPD is a major health problem in the UK. It is the second most common cause of NHS emergency admissions and causes 1 in 20 deaths in the UK. COPD is characterised by cough, phlegm and breathlessness, which lower selfesteem, reduce mobility and negatively impacts on quality of life. A survey by the British Lung Foundation (BLF) found that 90% of people with COPD were unable to participate in socially important activities (British Lung Foundation 2009). In addition, a significant percentage of individuals with COPD suffer from anxiety, depression and isolation. A new model for community focused support based on clinical and social support commenced in early 2015 in Coventry called The RIPPLE Project. The project based in the community enables people with COPD to share their experiences with each other, engage in social activities and also take advantage of more structured sessions which cover elements of self-management, relaxation,
Inside this issue: Page 1: Airtime Page 2: New staff Page 3: Success story Page 4: About Integrated Plus
The RIPPLE Project has enabled individuals with COPD to be more active and involved in their community and their selfcare resulting in increased mental well-being, reduced isolation and a reduction in unplanned hospital admissions. Due to the success of RIPPLE, the Health Foundation has funded 7 new pilot sites. The new sites will focus on:
Co-producing activities with people with respiratory conditions Improving mental well-being Physical wellbeing and exercise Social inclusion An asset-based approach Clinical input at consultant or Nurse level Self-management support that includes peer to peer sessions Inclusion of voluntary and community organisations to provide information on local services and support activities eg gentle exercise classes.
The Dudley borough pilot project called Airtime is a partnership between Dudley CVS (through Integrated Plus, Healthwatch Dudley), Dudley CCG and Dudley Respiratory Team. Healthwatch Dudley is a key partner as it enables people with COPD to share their views on local respiratory services and pathways as respiratory services will be reorganised as part of Dudley Multi-Speciality Community Provider. Airtime takes place every Thursday, 1-3pm at DY1 building, Stafford Street, Dudley. A co-ordinator for Airtime will be starting towards the end of September who will be responsible for managing the project. In the meantime, if you would like more information about Airtime, please contact Kate Green at Dudley CVS on 01384 573381. Email: buildingblocks@dudleycvs.org.uk
Published By Integrated Plus Main Office: Dudley CVS, 7 Albion Street, Brierley Hill DY5 3EE Tel: 01384 573381 Website: www.dudleycvs.org.uk | Twitter: @intplusDudley | Blog: integratedplusblog.com Integrated Plus is delivered by Dudley CVS and funded by Dudley Clinical Commissioning Group Dudley CVS is a registered charity (number 517766) and a registered company limited by guarantee (number 1998105)