Nurse’s commitment helps patients breathe easier in East Cheshire

People across East Cheshire living with respiratory conditions have been benefiting from a dedicated support group for over a year, thanks to the efforts of Respiratory Nurse Specialist, Jane Kent.

Jane, who has been part of East Cheshire NHS Trust’s Integrated Respiratory Team since 2016, relaunched the group after identifying a gap in community support during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since its launch in July 2024 and running at Macclesfield Leisure Centre, the ‘Breathe Easy’ group has grown into a valued community resource, offering a safe and welcoming space for people to share experiences, access expert advice, and support one another in managing their conditions.

Her efforts in starting and running the group in her own time and as a volunteer, saw Jane recognised by the Trust with a Colleague of the Month award for showing commitment and dedication to patients feeling isolated or limited by their disease.

She said:

“It’s been wonderful to see the group develop over the past 12 months and allow members to support one another with their conditions. I am really pleased how the group has grown, and welcome that it's been recognised by the Trust. This is about bringing local community together, to support, learn and grow.

“It is very rewarding, and I have had really positive feedback. We have had people coming who have been there since the first session and the group is growing in numbers each month.

“Our speakers cover a range of topics; we have been fortunate to access a Breathwork Facilitator, Mindfulness Practitioner, a Medical Herbalist and informative talks by local services such as Talking Therapies, the Living Well service and Citizens Advice. 

“I have also done some chair yoga sessions for the group and am already booking next year’s speakers.”

Supported by Asthma + Lung UK, the group is part of the charity’s nationwide Breathe Easy network, which empowers people living with respiratory conditions to lead healthier, more active, and fulfilling lives.

The free session runs on the first Thursday of every month at Macclesfield Leisure Centre who kindly support the group and provide refreshments. A ‘Singing for Lung Health’ session follows the support group which is ran by Respiratory Nurse and singing enthusiast Grace Sagun, with evidence suggesting singing improves lung function and emotional wellbeing.

For more information on the sessions, either as an attendee or speaker: please contact Jane by emailing: 

jane.kent4@nhs.net

...or by calling:

07912 547 227

Pictured - The Breathe Easy group with Respiratory Nurse Specialist Jane Kent (pictured second from the left).