Any ideas please?

[pollyjj]

We will soon be trying to organise our calendar of speakers for Breathe Easy next year, each year it gets harder trying to find subjects that will be interesting to our members.

Can anyone help me out with any ideas please??

polly xx

[Hidden]

Do they have to

be breathing related or a separate topic?

[pollyjj in reply to Hidden]

suggestions for any topics please annieseed

[silversurfer]

Our local WI had a very interesting talk about Japan and their culture. Would that be suitable?

[pollyjj in reply to silversurfer]

That sounds a good idea thank you.

[Hidden]

There are lots of options to try for and people to approach but that's not to say they will have someone available and some naturally will put the day job first. But below just a few following suggestions, lung related and other.

Talks from representatives of:

- Age UK

- the local Mobility Shop Adviser

- DSS - on benefits, help to stay living at home etc.

- Looking after our feet as we age (Chiropodist)

- Dentist

- Talk about Osteoporosis and how to help prevent it

- Exercise for people with COPD (local instructor)

- Community Matron

- Respiratory Nurse

- A BLF rep (although not sure if this will still be happening with cut backs)

- Retired BLF person

- Local herbalist or someone from Neals Yard

- Air Liquide on Oxygen

- Pharmacist

- Local historian

- Retired veteran with slides show or something similar, Ladies who built the aircraft etc

- Dietician

- When the speaker doesn't turn up, quiz on lung condition or another topic of choice with maybe a small bar of choccy for prize

[knitter]

In the past, the fire brigade came to give a talk on safety in the home, and a librarian another time. The respiratory consultant came a few times, a nurse with a speciality in anxiety, a dietician. ...maybe someone in the group has an interesting hobby they can talk about. 5 minute interviews with members who would like to share their experiences. Local charities?

[O2Trees]

Hi Polly, I used to be on the committee of our local BE group, now sadly not able to go to group meetins very often due to heavy commitments in the rest of my life which will be over soon (the commitments i mean!). So I might be a bit out of touch.

It used to be that the BLF required BEs to have four talks each year which were medically based, and "medical" could be interpreted quite widely. I assume its still the same but there are changes with central BE organisation, and I dont know if that will extend to BLF's requirements of BE groups. (E.g. will BLF still require 50% of the funds that local BE groups raise to be sent to them??)

When a speaker doesnt turn up, which is seldom, we just have a social afternoon, and sometimes schedule social sessions instead of a speaker which the group really likes. One of our summer meetings is always a strawberry tea which is a highlight. We ask the group members for their suggestions about talks as well, which you probably do already. Members' holidays can make good talks especially if taken in different cultures; also members' current or past jobs; involving members in giving some talks works well. KOTC and others probably have lots of good ideas. Best, jean

[pollyjj]

I would like to say thank you to everyone I knew you would come up trumps lots of brilliant ideas there.

polly xx

[Hollyhockhattie in reply to pollyjj]

How about flying? I've never flown and have a daughter in Australia. I have recently been diagnosed with bronchiectasis and she has invited me over for their summer. The issues are flying and breathing difficulties. Avoiding a PE and for me also .....getting me on the plane in the first place. Holly.x

[knitter in reply to Hollyhockhattie]

Some time ago the consultant gave advice on flying with a breathing difficulty at our Breathe Easy.

Have you asked the Helpline here for advice in your case?

[Hidden]

Seasonal salads

[Hidden]

Hi, Could I suggest you include as much as possible about different forms of exercise! My husband is rubbish at continuing to exercise after PR - if the Breath Easy Group keep mentioning it, it could act as a gentle reminder to keep exercising! Please continue with your great work - these groups are so helpful and it has been fantastic for my husband to realise he is not the only person suffering with COPD. Take good care, TAD xx

[katieoxo60]

At another group I attend we have had, lady playing a ukele, quizes, antartica, photography, past wars, fire safty, wills and enduring power of attorney,pearls,women at work which is a bit biased,training dogs for the disabled, helping injured soldiers returning from war zones, solving crime via fingerprints, talks about famous people. All these chats are about one hour in length and most charities are willing to do it for a small donation, another one was about life shortening illness care done by myton hospice.

[katieoxo60]

Wiltshire foods are quite willing to do talks about their mobile food delivery service to groups, if contacted.

[Hidden]

How about someone who could talk about the basics of using a computer and its usefulness for those who are housebound/ where to get help or advice with PC problems. Geneology tips, U3A (University of the Third Age) and the topics they cover - we don't need to stop learning just cause we're ill - we still have so much we can pass on.

[beatles in reply to Hidden]

Mapal, I think your suggestions are excellent.

I don't attend Breathe Easy courses but maybe a discussion about books

that have influenced you or maybe music that stimulates you.

Mapal's suggestions about learning IT later in life is a really good one.

Thanks. Adrian

[vittorio]

Hows about this folks - I live alone and having been caught out by needing an Ambulance urgently, when my breathing became extremely difficult, almost to the state of panic at 2.30 in THE MORNING ! So I got one of those red buttons to press when in difficulties, so I don't have to puff and splutter my way to the emergency 999 person when trying to get an Ambulance. The "Set up" is organised by my local Council, and is a real life line should any problems arise - get a "Spokes Person "from the Council to come down to your group and tell your Members the real Benefits having this Emergency Call out Service, especially to those who live alone .- Good Luck !

[pollyjj]

I appreciate all of you suggestions and I will put them to the committee, plenty for us to work on thank you.

polly xx