This autumn, Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership (SASP), took another step towards improving community health by hosting a series of Lung Health events across Mendip in a pilot project in partnership with Mendip Primary Care Network (PCN), funded by Health Innovation Network Southwest (HIN SW) and commissioned by Somerset ICB. Designed in a 'community appointment day' style, the aim of the events was to increase access, awareness and participation in supported self-management, education, exercise and other activity for people with a respiratory condition.

The 4 events, 2 taking place in community spaces in Mendip and were for invited patients only, using data from EMIS and a further 2 in factory workplace settings where employees were invited to attend. The collaborative events allowed participants to move around the staffed tables at their own pace, speaking with the various professionals in attendance.

SASP staff were able to test and explain blood pressure and spirometer readings, give support and guidance around how to increase movement levels and make healthier lifestyle choices, ask about smoking status, and refer into the ProActive programme (Somerset's physical activity on referral scheme). Health Connectors (employed by the PCN) were able to signpost to local and online groups e.g. singing for lung health, COPD support groups, walking groups, and refer into their new 6-week course 'Be Happy, Be Healthy' which explores eating, sleep and overall wellbeing. Whilst the Respiratory nurse (employed by the PCN) was able to complete FEV1 scores, review medications and advise on inhaler technique, providing that clinical guidance where it was needed.

Attendees reported learning valuable new information from the lung health events, with many discovering resources, techniques, and support systems to help manage their condition more effectively. Several learned about local events, websites, and support groups, which they found beneficial, particularly in terms of socialising and accessing help for older adults with a diagnosed lung disease. For some, the event reinforced the importance of movement and exercise, with many acknowledging the connection between muscle strength and lung efficiency. Attendees also mentioned learning new exercises to improve breathing, strength, and balance, which they plan to incorporate into their routines.

With over 100 appointments completed across these 4 events, we found out that:

• 100% of participants said they found the event either useful or highly useful, reinforcing the value of providing a space in the community where people can engage with healthcare professionals, gain insights into their condition, and receive tailored support.
• 75% of participants told us that they would attend a local movement class.
• 70% of participants expressed an interest in a peer support group, indicating a demand to start providing these services within Central Mendip PCN.

Becky Bostock, SASP's Senior project Officer for Health said "This shows us that there's a real need for these types of opportunities in Central Mendip PCN going forward. It was so wonderful to bring the community together in such a positive and supportive environment with such great outcomes."

Nicola Tanner, Health Connections Lead at Mendip PCN, told us "What was really helpful with these lung health events was getting into the factories and getting to meet people who we don't normally get to see and who actually, we discovered don't generally interact with GP services. It was really satisfying for all members of the team who were involved."

Some of the attendees on the day told us:

"I've learned a lot about my condition today. I think I often just tried to make light of how I am the nurse. She made me realise that I need more help."

"There is more support out there than I realised, I will certainly look into going to some groups because I've recognised, I need some support and some social activities now I am getting older."

"I've learned a lot about my COPD today. I think I often just tried to make light of how I am, the nurse made me realise that I need more help."

SASP's long-term ambition is for all people diagnosed with long-term health conditions, such as COPD, to be better informed about the benefits of movement for their condition and feel empowered and supported to engage in community physical activity provision, such as ProActive (Somerset's physical activity referral scheme) to manage their condition and also reap the wider benefits gained.

SASP would like to say a big thankyou to NHS Somerset for this commissioned work.