SWINDON people living with lung conditions and respiratory problems will have more information to help them cope with their illness following a grant from Oxford Swindon & Gloucester Co-op.

Swindon Breathe Easy has been awarded a £350 Co-op community dividend grant to produce new leaflets and a monthly newsletter to serve those people affected by poor respiratory health.

Many are housebound and will benefit from more information and regular contact.

The content of the publications will also be relevant to carers, family and friends.

Another aim is to increase awareness of the Swindon Breathe Easy group to potential new members.

The publications will be made available at hospital based chest clinics and the newsletter will be posted to every member.

Production and distribution costs will be covered by the Co-op grant.

Most members of the group are retired or too ill to work so the group's only other source of income is through small scale fundraising including raffles and book sales, for example.

"Housebound members of our group are totally dependent on the newsletter for contact with people in similar situations," says Chris Rickards, secretary, Swindon Breathe Easy.

"Promoting the group through chest clinics will help membership grow and reach more people.

"The chest clinic respiratory nurse is already a member of the group and is a good source of advice."