What is the project about:

Asthma is a serious condition which affects 368,000 people with asthma in Scotland, including 100,000 children.

Over the years, there has been a rise in incidence of asthma and asthma-related deaths amongst children and young people in Glasgow & Clyde (G&C). Young people struggle to cope with asthma, evidenced by the number of missed school days, hospital admissions, ambulance calls and reported cases of asthma deaths. The Covid-19 pandemic also highlighted how important it is for young asthma sufferers to be able to self-manage and have a well-informed support network at home, school and in the community, exposing a huge gap in the availability of appropriate and adequate asthma support services within G&C.

Through the Breathing Room, children, young people, and those who care for them (parents, carers, teachers, school nurses) will have access to evidence based health information, advice line, and asthma management workshops which provide and understanding of asthma, symptoms, triggers, medication, and what to do in as asthma attack. The Breathing Room, working with healthcare professionals, will ensure a better transition for children and young people living with asthma from child/ young person’s healthcare services to adult health care services.

In addition, through this project, young people will have access to volunteering and work experience opportunities which will provide them with essential training and skills development, equipping them with practical knowledge and skills to (re) enter the workforce and paid employment.

When children and young people learn to manage their asthma their can lead full, healthy, active lives and be productive members of society – just like everyone else!