Clair from the BLF

It is always welcome to have someone from The British Lung Foundation (our 'head office') come and see us and Clair Henderson was a particular delight. Clair gave us a rundown on how the British Lung Foundation got started and the development of the Breathe Easy support network, which now numbers over 230 groups throughout the UK. She also gave us an update on the happenings at the BLF, which includes the current campaigns against smoking in cars and raising awareness of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea. Clair also spent some time telling us about the Helpline which is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 6pm on 03000 030 555. The helpline is staffed by a variety of health professionals including a counsellor. They can offer information about the treatment and management of your lung condition; guidance about what you can do to help make your condition easier to live with; information about welfare benefits; and information about inhalers, antibiotics, steroids and other medications as well as hints and tips to help make life easier. Talking about BLF resources, the website has been re-vamped and looks very smart as well as providing a wealth of information for users. Check it out at http://www.blf.org.uk. After the tea break Clair took the opportunity to get to know the members and they in turn picked her brains for ideas on fund raising and raising awareness.