A SUPPORT group for people with breathing problems is launching a drive to attract news members.

Breathe Easy Colchester was set up more than 20 years ago and now has in excess of 40 members.

The group meets every third Friday of the month at St John's and Highwoods Community Centre, in Highwoods Square.

Run in conjunction with the British Lung Foundation, the group has partnered with charity Community360 to host a special winter roadshow next month in a bid to widen its reach.

John Price, chairman of Breathe Easy Colchester, said: "There are over 40 different types of lung disease and one in five people will be affected by lung disease.

“Our group's aim is to support anyone who has just been diagnosed with a lung condition or living with ongoing lung and breathing problems.

"I know too well as a sufferer of Asthma from a child and now living with COPD how worrying and isolated you can feel.

“What I have found over the years is as a group we totally understand what each other is going through, many friendships have been made which helps to reduce the isolation felt when you are suffering with long term health problems.”

Breathe Easy meetings are informal and members can also attend exercise or singing classes to encourage lung health.

The group is run by people living with lung disease and supported by healthcare professionals.

Tracy Rudling, CEO of Community360, said: "When you’re dealing with something difficult, it’s not always easy to reach out for help.

"But, when you find the right people, resources and coping strategies to get you through, sharing can make a real difference in your life.

"We are delighted to be able to support John and the Breathe Easy group and urge anyone with lung conditions to get in touch with such a valuable support network.”

The winter roadshow takes place at St John's and Highwoods Community Centre on Friday, February 21, between 10.30am and 12.30pm.

For more information, call Mr Price on 01206 303707, email jprice73@hotmail.com or visit lunguk.org/colchester.