The launch of the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) support group took place earlier this week at St Joseph's Pastoral Centre in Monaghan town. The group is offering support and exercises for people living with breathlessness caused by the disease.
Meetings will take place every Monday between 12.15pm and 1.15pm at the centre, and attendance is free. Meanwhile, COPD includes a collection of lung diseases including chronic bronchitis and emphysema and is one of the most common respiratory diseases in Ireland.
Speaking at the launch, Eugene Quigley, Senior Respiratory Physiotherapist with the HSE's Cavan Monaghan Integrated Respiratory Team, said the Group will provide an opportunity for people living with COPD to learn more about how to manage their condition from each other.
He added that it will be part of an overall community support that will assist patients and their families to exercise, be smoke free, and look after their physical and mental health. "This is a project in line with the HSE's Integrated Care Programme for the Prevention and Management of Chronic Disease and we look forward to this free group being a resource and facility for so many people in Monaghan," Mr Quigley said.
Katie Macintyre, Support Co-ordinator, COPD Support Ireland stated, "COPD Support Ireland peer support and exercise groups are a wonderful way for people living with COPD to meet each week, exercise together and share their lived experience of COPD.
"Many people with COPD can feel isolated by this condition, particularly after the Covid-19 pandemic where many withdrew from their usual social activities. COPD support and exercise groups have been vital to help reconnect them with their community and navigate the challenges of life with this chronic disease in a safe and empathetic peer support environment.
"We are delighted to have been supported by the National Clinical Programme, Respiratory, in receiving funding from the HSE this year to deliver and grow our COPD support and exercise groups nationally. We are also very excited to welcome all those living with COPD in Monaghan and surrounding areas to our new group."
