Welcome to the Somerset Emotional Wellbeing (SEW) podcast!

In this episode, COPD and Health Inequalities, our hosts Dr. Peter Bagshaw and Dr. Andrew Tresidder are joined by Wendy Coward from Healthwatch Somerset and Emma Savage from NHS Somerset to discuss what Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is and what health inequalities are, how they are connected, and why a new COPD initiative based in Bridgwater has been launched as part of NHS England’s Core20PLUS5 approach.

Please see the show notes below for details of the Living well with COPD focus group event to be held on the 2^nd of November 2023.

The SEW podcast is a free weekly show hosted by Dr. Andrew Tresidder, Dr. Peter Bagshaw and Dr. Sarah Coope. In each episode, the doctors discuss a different topic related to mental and emotional wellbeing and often invite expert guests to join them in conversation. The show is aimed at the people of Somerset and beyond; the advice and guidance provided should apply to anybody who needs it, whenever they need it.

All episodes of SEW are now available to listen to free through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Google Podcasts, Amazon Podcasts, Somerset Emotional Wellbeing or wherever you get your podcasts!

We would like to hear from you! If you would like to ask us a question or let us know what you think of the show, or if you would like to suggest guests and topics for us to cover, please get in touch with us by emailing: somicb.sewpodcast@nhs.net

Thank you for listening, see you next time!

Please note: The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of the NHS or any other organisation unless expressly stated

Bridgwater COPD Project – Respiratory disease is a major cause of ill-health and death in Somerset, and there are more cases of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in Bridgwater than many other areas of England and the county. Through this community engagement project we want to improve diagnosis, care, and support for people in Bridgwater who have COPD.

November 2^nd 2023 - Living well with COPD (Bridgwater focus group) – We are working with Evolving Communities CIC, independently on behalf of NHS Somerset, to help Bridgwater residents who have COPD to live healthy and full lives. We are connecting with local people who have COPD, as well as their families, friends and carers, to understand what support is needed to help those with COPD to get information, access health and care services, and take action to live well.

We are looking for people with COPD who live in Bridgwater to join our focus group discussion. £25 vouchers will be provided to those who are invited to attend, and if you volunteer to become a Community Connector or to feature as a case study, you will be entered into a prize draw and could win a £100 supermarket voucher.

Contact Details

If you are interested in joining the discussion group, please send your name and contact details to Wendy Coward, Project Coordinator, by email: wendy.coward@health