We’re so pleased to share Heart to Heart with you – our new peer support group.
Heart to Heart is open to anyone affected by a heart condition.
This might include people who want to keep in touch with friends they made during cardiac rehab, those who have been recently diagnosed, people living with a long-term heart condition, or simply anyone who would like to meet others on a similar journey.
Having the opportunity to talk to people who understand can make a real difference. That’s why we’re so delighted to be launching Heart to Heart — a welcoming space where people can come together, share experiences and, most importantly, know that they’re not alone.
Heart to Heart – a friendly place to meet, chat and feel supported
Heart to Heart meetings are relaxed, informal and completely free to attend. They’re a chance to come along, have a cuppa, meet others and spend some time in a friendly and welcoming environment.
Our regular meetings are a chance to chat and share experiences with people who understand what life with a heart condition can be like. There’s also an opportunity to meet our friendly volunteers, who all have their own experiences of heart conditions and are there to offer encouragement and understanding.
There’s no pressure to talk about anything personal, and no expectation to attend every meeting – everyone is welcome to join whenever they can.
We’re very lucky that Heart to Heart is supported by the cardiac rehabilitation team. A member of the team will usually be at our meetings, providing a familiar and friendly face. They’ll be delighted to welcome everyone and are always happy to offer support or simply have a chat.
At some meetings, we’ll also welcome guest speakers, including NHS professionals, who’ll share their knowledge, experiences and insights with the group.
Most importantly, Heart to Heart is a place where everyone is welcome – whether they’re living with a heart condition or coming along to support a family member or friend. Whatever brings people along, there’ll always be a friendly face waiting to greet them.
Making Heart to Heart a reality
Setting up a peer support group has been a long-standing aim of the SHC, and we know there is a real need and demand for this kind of support. So, we’re absolutely delighted that Heart to Heart is now up and running.
A huge thank you goes to Martina, the Cardiac Rehabilitation Lead, who played a key role in bringing Heart to Heart to life. The development and set-up of the group formed the main focus of Martina’s community placement as part of her Health Promotion master’s degree from the University of Brighton.
We are very grateful for all the time, enthusiasm and dedication Martina has given to the project and for helping turn the idea into the group we have today.
Martina will continue to play an important role in Heart to Heart, helping the group to grow and develop while making sure it remains a welcoming and supportive space for everyone who comes along. We’re incredibly grateful for her ongoing commitment and support.
“I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved through Heart to Heart. This has been a fantastic example of how university learning, professional experience, charity support, and community involvement can come together to create something meaningful and sustainable.” – Martina
We’re very proud to have finally made this long-held idea a reality, and we’re really looking forward to seeing Heart to Heart grow into a friendly and supportive community.
Be part of Heart to Heart
We’d love to welcome more people to the Heart to Heart community.
The Heart to Heart mailing list is the best way to keep up to date with the group.
Our next meeting in October is a great opportunity to find out more about the group, meet others, have a chat and enjoy a cuppa – and hear from our first guest speaker.
We’re delighted to welcome Laura from the NHS Brighton and Hove Wellbeing Service to our October meeting. Laura will be talking about the impact that living with a heart condition can have on our mental health and wellbeing. She’ll share some practical ideas for looking after yourself, including recognising and managing stress and finding coping strategies that work for you.
Those who sign up to the mailing list will receive details about all upcoming meetings, including our October meeting, as well as news and updates about what’s happening with Heart to Heart.
Join the Heart to Heart mailing list using the link below:
We hope Heart to Heart can become a place where everyone feels comfortable, connected and supported – a place where people can connect with others, share experiences and know they’re not alone. ❤️
