Milton Keynes residents with respiratory issues are urged to check in with Bryn's story

NHS Milton Keynes Clinical Commissioning Group has teamed up with Milton Keynes County Council sports development team, The British Lung Foundation and Hertsmere Leisure Trust, to introduce a life changing education and exercise programme to help patients with respiratory conditions learn about managing their condition and maintaining an active lifestyle.

Evidence shows that fitness improves respiratory muscle strength, increases confidence and reduces hospital admissions; and just a few weeks into the programme, participants are experiencing improved fitness, increased confidence, new friendships and a better quality of life.

A real advocate for this programme is Bryn. He struggles with breathing problems and has mobility issues due to a previous accident. Bryn said: “The ‘Keep Active, Keep Well’ programme can be done at your own pace, you don’t feel embarrassed and you don’t feel as though you are unable to achieve something.

“The difference has been quite significant. The programme does exactly what it says on the tin! We’ve all been through the same experience and we’re now able to measure one another’s achievements. I’ve been introduced to a group of people and suddenly I’ve got new friends.”

Bryn explains his experience of the programme in a new five-minute film ‘Keep Active, Keep Well – Bryn’s story’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCgC18UaecM&feature=youtu.be

Bryn is just one of a number of success stories of this innovative programme, which is about partners across health and social care working together to improve the health and wellbeing of local people.