A nurse has been praised for her efforts in supporting people in Cheshire East living with respiratory conditions.

Respiratory nurse specialist Jane Kent relaunched the 'Breathe Easy' group last year after identifying a gap in community support during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The group is described as a 'valued community resource', offering a safe and welcoming space for people to share experiences, access expert advice, and support one another in managing their conditions.

Her efforts in starting and running the group in her own time and as a volunteer, saw Jane recognised by East Cheshire NHS Trust with a 'Colleague of the Month' award for showing commitment and dedication to patients feeling isolated or limited by their disease.

Jane, who has been part of the trust's Integrated Respiratory Team since 2016, said: "It's been wonderful to see the group develop over the past 12 months and allow members to support one another with their conditions.

" I am really pleased how the group has grown, and welcome that it's been recognised by the trust. This is about bringing local community together, to support, learn and grow.

"It is very rewarding, and I have had really positive feedback. We have had people coming who have been there since the first session and the group is growing in numbers each month.

"Our speakers cover a range of topics; we have been fortunate to access a Breathwork Facilitator, Mindfulness Practitioner, a Medical Herbalist and informative talks by local services such as Talking Therapies, the Living Well service and Citizens Advice. 

"I have also done some chair yoga sessions for the group and am already booking next year's speakers."

The group meets at Macclesfield Leisure Centre on the first Thursday of every month (Credit: Nub News)

Supported by Asthma + Lung UK, the group is part of the charity's nationwide Breathe Easy network, which empowers people living with respiratory conditions to lead healthier, more active, and fulfilling lives.

The free session runs on the first Thursday of every month at Macclesfield Leisure Centre, who support the group and provide refreshments.

A 'Singing for Lung Health' session follows the support group which is ran by respiratory nurse and singing enthusiast Grace Sagun, with evidence suggesting singing improves lung function and emotional wellbeing.

For more information on the sessions, either as an attendee or speaker: please contact Jane by emailing [email protected], or by calling 07912547227.