“The first thing we do is listen... If it matters to you, it matters enough to call.”
Living with pulmonary fibrosis can bring up a lot of questions and sometimes it can be hard to know where to turn to for answers.
Our Support Line team are on hand to offer practical information and a listening ear for anyone affected by pulmonary fibrosis (PF).
We asked Pauline, one of our Support Managers, to answer the questions she’s asked most often and what you can expect when you get in touch.
Hi Pauline! Tell us about APF’s Support Line?
The Support Line is here to support you with any questions you may have about PF. We’re not just here for people living with PF, but also family members, carers, friends and healthcare professionals – anyone who has a question!
If English isn’t your first language, we can also provide support through our translation service to make sure everyone can get the help they need.
What does a typical day look like for you?
The Support Line opens at 9am, and throughout the day we respond to a mix of live calls, emails or to people who have filled in one of our callback request forms. We work in 4-hour shifts to ensure we are at our best and able to support callers, and for the rest of the day we might attend planning meetings or training sessions.
The Support Line can be very busy but if a caller needs time, we never end the call to take another.
What kinds of things do people call about?
A broad range of topics – everything from medication and travel to mental health. A caller might ask how they can support a loved one living with PF, how to manage a supply of oxygen or have a question about lung transplants.
We try to answer any question related to PF and how it’s affecting you or your family. And if it’s something we’re not sure of, we will find out who can help and call you back with this information.
What happens when someone calls?
Our Support Line is a space to be heard, so the first thing we do is listen. We give you the space to talk about what’s on your mind at your own pace. From there, we can help guide you to APF’s information, services and support, as well as signposting to other relevant organisations. We can also arrange a follow-up call to check in, see how things are going and explore any further support that might be needed.
Many callers tell us they feel relieved and supported after their first call and that they feel more positive and clearer about their next steps.
Does someone need to be in a crisis to call?
No. People call for many reasons - when they’re feeling overwhelmed, if they need someone to talk to, want help making a decision, or if they just don’t want to handle something alone. If it matters to you, it matters enough to call.
What would you say to someone who feels nervous about calling?
Feeling nervous is completely normal. We’re here to listen, not to judge, and we understand that sometimes it can feel easier to talk to someone you don’t know. You don’t need to have all the right words or all the information. Start wherever you are, and together we’ll talk through your questions and explore how we can best help you.
To contact our Support Line team, call 01223 785 725
The line is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.