Better Breathing — Canterbury Kaupapa Hā Pai Ake ki Waitaha

The Better Breathing programme is available to people living in Canterbury who have long-term chest conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is a free 8-week course.

On this page

Improve the way you breathe

The Better Breathing programme can help you improve your breathing and fitness. It does this through movement and exercise. The programme also includes education sessions that help you to:

  • understand your breathing condition
  • learn ways to manage breathlessness
  • know how and when to get help
  • know how to use your inhaler
  • understand the importance of getting enough sleep, good nutrition and managing stress
  • set goals
  • learn breathing exercises.

The programme runs as an 8-week course, once a week for one and a half hours. This includes:

  • an hour of exercise
  • half an hour of education and discussion.

You are encouraged to go to as many sessions as possible.

Courses start throughout the year and are held at different locations around Canterbury.

Watch a video with a participant's story about learning to breathe better through the Better Breathing programme.

Tuli's story (Learning to breathe better) — YouTubeexternal link

Who can attend

If you have a respiratory condition and struggle with breathlessness or coughing, ask your healthcare provider if this programme is right for you. Alternatively, check with the Better Breathing team:

Programme locations

Better Breathing programmes are provided at the following locations:

  • Ashburton
  • Christchurch East / Central (Linwood)
  • Christchurch North (Bishopdale)
  • Christchurch South (Spreydon)
  • Christchurch West (Hei Hei)
  • Rangiora
  • Kaikoura.