Asthma + Lung UK has started a new support group for people with lung conditions in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire. The community group offers vital support to those living with lung conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bronchiectasis on managing their lung condition.
The Ellesmere Port Breathe Easy group is run by Asthma + Lung UK volunteers, including group leader Mike Bessant, and respiratory physiotherapist, Charlotte Constantine who provide specialist advice to people with lung conditions on how best to manage their health.
Asthma + Lung UK operates a network of Breathe Easy groups across the country, made possible thanks to funds raised by players of Postcode Lottery.
Ellesmere Port has a large petrochemical industry, including England’s second largest oil refinery, which contributes to the high air pollution levels seen in Ellesmere Port that are above World Health Organisation guidelines.1
Nearly 7.4% of people in the constituency of Ellesmere Port and Bromborough are estimated to have asthma and almost 2.4% are estimated to have COPD, which is higher than England’s national average.2
Mike Bessant, Asthma + Lung UK Breathe Easy Group Leader, said: “I’m delighted to lead this new Breathe Easy group to support people with lung conditions in Ellesmere Port. Having a lung condition can be extremely isolating so I’m proud to bring our community together to offer friendship, a sense of belonging and expert support. There has already been significant interest in joining the group, but I would love more people to join our sociable and supportive space.”
Katie Papas, Community Digital Engagement Manager at Asthma + Lung UK, said: “Our support groups offer invaluable support to thousands of people with lung conditions. The charity believes it’s vital to provide people with lung conditions the space to share their experiences and get expert advice, helping them to manage their condition more independently and reduce the number of times they are hospitalised.
“Attendees often learn helpful skills such as correct inhaler technique, breathing strategies to help relieve their symptoms, and gain a sense of belonging and mutual support. Ellesmere Port is especially affected by lung conditions and high air pollution, so this new group is an important lifeline for local residents to feel better supported to manage their lung condition.”
To contact the Ellesmere Port Breathe Easy Group email supportgroups@asthmaandlung.org.uk or phone 0300 222 5800.
The group is located at Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish Centre, 2a Enfield Road, Ellesmere Port, CH65 8BY and runs from 5:30-6:30pm on the last Wednesday of the month.
ENDS
To find out more about Asthma + Lung UK’s support groups for people living with lung conditions visit its support group page here.
References
1. Why air pollution is an environmental justice issue, Friends of the Earth, averaged data from 2022-2024 (accessed here).
2. Constituency Data: Health Condition, House of Commons Library, 2025, based on data from Quality Outcome Frameworks from Ellesmere and Bromborough, compared to national data across England. 7.4% of people in the constituency have asthma, compared to the 6.6% England national average. 2.35% of people in the constituency have COPD compared to the 1.89% England national average (accessed here).