L I F E – lung Information and friendship for everyone

A support group for 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 29 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.

Members also get to receive a copy of the Breath of LIFE Magazine – published four times a year. It’s full of news, recipes, lung health information tips and real-life stories from people living with respiratory diseases.

Stories from our 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

A group of Western Australians with chronic lung disease started the self-help group in 1992 as they wanted to provide support to each other and find out more about their lung conditions.

LIFE originated as the Lung Impaired Support Association (LISA) and was the first Australian support group specifically for people with chronic lung disease.

In 2009 LISA changed its name to LIFE and while it also joined forces with the Institute for Respiratory Health, the group’s purpose remains the same.

LIFE is also an active affiliate of LungNet as well as a member of the Lung Foundation Australia’s network of respiratory support groups (1800 654 301).