These are the supports that COPDSI offer to people living with COPD:
Peer to peer support:
Peer-to-peer support can have many benefits for those living with COPD. We believe it is a key part of COPD disease self-management, with a structured but personalised approach for everyone. The goal of these peer-to-peer support groups is to motivate, engage and support members and carers to help them overcome any challenging feelings and physical symptoms in their day-to-day life through the integration of peer support with self-management education. Interacting with those who in your local community who are living with the same or a similar condition can be a positive outlet for those experiencing both physical and mental health symptoms of COPD.
Get in touch today with us and email support@copd.ie to find out more about your local peer support group
COPD & Me Exercise Programme and Events:
There are multiple benefits from exercising when living with a chronic health condition, or as an older adult. COPD Support Ireland has developed an exercise programme delivered by a trained professional, who is able to tailor the exercises to your needs and ability. These classes are designed to help improve your physical, and mental health; they take place one or twice a week, either virtually through Zoom or in person at a local support group location, depending on the region. Participation in these classes can lead to an increase in muscle strength, flexibility, a reduction in breathlessness and most importantly an improvement in your quality of life.
For more information on Joining a local COPD Support Group please contact us on 083 409 5250 or visit https://copd.ie/ to sign up as a member, or be referred by your healthcare practitioner
SingStrong – Singing for better Lung Health
As part of a COPD self-management programme, many people are encouraged to use breathing techniques to clear any lung secretions and to help control the symptom of breathlessness. These breathing techniques can be quite effective in optimising airway clearance and minimising the experience of breathlessness by people living with COPD.
SingStrong is a novel and fun way to learn and implement these breathing techniques through singing. It is a choir created by vocal coach Ms. Ciara Meade and lecturer of cardiovascular and respiratory physiotherapy, Dr. Roisin Cahalan. The SingStrong programme has proven exceptionally popular with our members and is delivered either virtually or in person in a small number of locations, over a 10-week period, with two sessions a week taking place. We plan to expand this programme to be delivered in our local support groups as a regular activity.
For more information on SingStrong and how you can join, email SingStrong@copd.ie.