Charity Focus: British Lung Foundation

Published on: 17th February 2017 | Updated on: 15th March 2022

This feature provides information about the support available from the British Lung Foundation (BLF) for people with lung conditions to aid community pharmacy teams with signposting patients to relevant sources of information, and to also highlight to pharmacy teams about how to become a BLF Professional.

BLF is the only charity in the UK with a mission to look after the nation’s lungs. Their aim is to improve care – and to prevent, treat and cure lung conditions. They are involved in research, campaigns and offer support to people with lung conditions.

BLF is on social media:

Support for patients

BLF has a number of resources that pharmacy teams can supply patients with or signpost patients to on the BLF website.

There is easy-to-understand information about lung conditions and also lots of advice on how people can get the most out of life with a lung condition.

BLF has a range of leaflets, booklets and other resources on topics such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, mesothelioma, pulmonary fibrosis and tuberculosis. These can be viewed on the website or pharmacy teams can order them to provide to patients (the publications can be ordered in bulk and are free to order and deliver).

There is a web community, which allows people to chat to others who are in a similar situation, ask questions or just have a look at what is being discussed . A helpline is also available for advice about living with a lung condition. The BLF helpline answers more than 17,000 calls a year and is available on 03000 030 555.

In addition, there is a local support finder on the website, which assists with finding out what support groups are available in the local area and a sign up option at the bottom of the BLF homepage to receive email updates on BLF’s work.

For healthcare professionals and commissioners

BLF has a dedicated section on their website for healthcare professionals and commissioners and there is a sign up option on this page to receive email updates from BLF aimed at healthcare professionals and commissioners.

Healthcare professionals with a special interest in respiratory care can become a BLF Professional, which includes a number of benefits such as regional study days, networking and opportunities to shadow other services.

If you would like more information about the programme then please call Bethany on 020 7688 5557 or fill out the application form on the BLF website.

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