The Asthma and Allergy Foundation (AAF) has been awarded £157,205 over three years by The National Lottery Community Fund to deliver its "Breathing Better Grampian – Asthma Education, Support and Prevention Programme," strengthening respiratory health support for children, young people, adults, families and communities across the Northeast of Scotland.
The funding will enable Scotland's only dedicated asthma charity to expand evidence-based education, early intervention and self-management programmes designed to improve asthma control, reduce avoidable hospital admissions and help people live healthier, more fulfilling lives.
The programme will provide targeted support to families living with asthma, deliver workshops and education in their premises and community settings, strengthen self-management support and work alongside healthcare professionals and partners to improve respiratory health outcomes across Grampian.
The award comes at a time when demand for asthma workshops, advice and support continues to grow. Asthma affects over 35 thousand people across Grampian, and despite significant advances in treatment, preventable asthma attacks and emergency hospital admissions remain a major public health concern. Education and early intervention continue to play a critical role in helping people recognise symptoms, manage their condition effectively and know when to seek urgent medical care.
Martina Chukwuma-Ezike, Chief Executive Officer of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation, said: "On behalf of our Board of Trustees, staff, volunteers and the thousands of families we support, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to The National Lottery Community Fund for this substantial investment in our work.
"This funding will allow us to continue delivering high-quality education, support and prevention programmes that empower individuals and families to manage asthma with confidence while helping to reduce avoidable asthma attacks and improve quality of life."
Martina added: "We are particularly grateful for The National Lottery Community Fund's continued belief in our mission. For more than 15 years, they have invested in numerous transformational and quite literally life-saving projects delivered by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation. Their long-term support has enabled us to innovate, grow and respond to the urgent needs of our communities.
"Partnerships like this are about much more than funding. They represent trust, shared ambition and a collective commitment to improving public health. We are proud to continue working alongside The National Lottery Community Fund to create healthier communities across Grampian and beyond."
Since its establishment in 2009, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation has supported more than 111,000 people through reliable resources, advice, workshops, education, training, advocacy and practical support. The charity works closely with the NHS, local authorities, schools, universities, employers, community organisations and healthcare professionals to improve respiratory health outcomes across Scotland.
The new programme aligns with national priorities around prevention, reducing health inequalities, improving self-management of long-term conditions and supporting people to remain well within their communities. It will also strengthen collaboration between the voluntary sector, healthcare providers and community partners to deliver integrated, person-centred support.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation extends its sincere thanks to The National Lottery Community Fund, whose continued investment over the past 15 years has helped transform respiratory health services and improve the lives of thousands of children, young people, adults and families living with asthma across Scotland.