Information

The Belfast City Chest Help Group is the first group of it's kind to be affiliated to the NI Chest Heart & Stroke Association.

The purpose of out group is to provide support to individuals affected by lung disorders and their families and carers. We meet one afternoon per month and share information with each other about:-

	Our own experiences of our lung conditions
	How we are coping with difficulties that may arise
	What we can do to help each other
	We provide information about lung conditions
	We have speakers in to talk to us about health related matters i.e. Drugs, benefits, new treatments
	We organise social functions.

How can we help?

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We welcome the opportunity to meet with you to let you know that there are others experiencing the same problem.

	We can help you cope with health problems that you may be experiencing at present.
	We can be your support in times of isolation and anxiety
	We can offer you the opportunity to meet socially with others and develop your own network of support
	To have a listening ear and someone who understands your "bad days" and your good days

Chest related illnesses and lung disorders are not illnesses which are instantly recognised, but the Chest Help Support Group understand just how disabling and dehabilitating they can be. We know that not being able to breath properly affects all aspects of our lives - from getting out of bed in the morning, going to work, shopping, cooking meals for the children and many other activities.

We know that adverse weather conditions can trigger an attack. Even arranging an evening out for dinner or attending a family wedding has to be carefully planned, to ensure that you can sit in an area where you will not be subjected to smoke of any kind.

Having access to disabled parking and toilets is vital, but the general public can't see the illness and therefore suspect you are taking advantage of the disabled.

The NI Chest Heart and Stroke Association are aware of these difficulties and intend to establish Chest Help Groups, Where possible, in every major town in order that we can educate the wider public on the impact of this life restricting condition.


Chest Help Group


*Who are We?*	*What we do?*
*How can we help?*	*Lung disorders.*
*Recent Events*	*Future Events*
*Chest Conditions*
*Coming Soon: Updates on Research*