LIFE Community Group
A support group for people living with lung disease
The Institute for Respiratory Health’s Lung Information and Friendship for Everyone (LIFE) program is a lung health support group that has been connecting people living with a chronic lung condition across Perth for over 30 years.
Run by, and for people, with chronic lung disease, their families, carers and supporters, members share their experiences and learn better ways to cope with lung conditions such as lung cancer, pulmonary fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma.
You’ll make friends and connect with other people living with lung disease, who know exactly what you’re going through.
There’s usually something happening every month from a stimulating combination of guest speakers covering topics such as aged-care rights and responsibilities through to early medicines and improving balance.
There’s also social activities including trips around Perth and dining experiences at cafes and pubs. Our lung-health support group will provide you with the tools you need to stay active and healthy, living the best quality of life you can.
Meetings
The LIFE Group meets on the first Wednesday of every month from February through November. The meeting starts at 12 noon, and an invited speaker arrives at 1.00pm at the Harry Perkins Institute, Level 6, Room 612A, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Campus, 6 Verdun Street, Nedlands. The venue is wheelchair and gopher accessible and please feel free to bring your oxygen or walker.
For directions on how to get to a LIFE Meeting please click here.
LIFE Leaders
Please get in touch with one of the following LIFE Leaders for more information:
Sal Hyder
0409 336 639
salhyder1@gmail.com
Gaye Cruickshank
gmcruick@bigpond.net.au
Stories from LIFE members
Brenda Tye – Brenda’s story of living with bronchiectasis
Brenda was diagnosed with bronchiectasis in February 2019. When she first discovered this, she was quite distraught as it’s an incurable disease. She was struggling to obtain information on the disease from her specialist when she met Tara, a specialist nurse, who suggested she attend LIFE. Learn more about Brenda’s story by viewing the video or reading more about her experience here.
David Payne – David’s story of living with alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency
David Payne was diagnosed with alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency in 1995. Although having the condition from birth, he wasn’t diagnosed until much later in life. Once diagnosed, David was able to adjust his life and learn to cope with this progressive disease. Joining LIFE meant that David was able to meet people with similar conditions, who understood what he is going through. Learn more about David’s story by viewing the video or reading more about his experience here.
HISTORY OF LIFE
In 1992, a group of Western Australians living with chronic lung disease came together to form a self-help group. Their goal was to support one another and learn more about their lung conditions.
Originally known as the Lung Impaired Support Association (LISA), it was Australia’s first dedicated support group for individuals with chronic lung disease.
In 2009, LISA became LIFE, aligning with the Institute for Respiratory Health while staying true to its original mission. Today, LIFE remains an active affiliate of LungNet and a valued member of the Lung Foundation Australia’s network of respiratory support groups.