Heart Failure Volunteer Service: Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland

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Heart Failure Volunteer Service

Angus and Jia enjoying a visit together

The Heart Failure Volunteer Service is a partnership initiative between Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS) and Lothian Heart Failure Network and was established through Big Lottery funding.

People affected by heart failure often experience

breathlessness
distress
anxiety
progressive losses
social isolation

A number of barriers can prevent social integration including

physical and mental health problems
transport and accessibility issues
level of support
self confidence

Aim

The aim of the Heart Failure Volunteer Service is to support patients and carers with the social impact of heart failure who are living in the community.

Objectives

The main objectives of the service are to

• provide friendship, support and contact to patient and carers
• meet social, recreational and leisure needs of patients
• provide information on local services and resources
• develop a volunteer support service, including recruitment, induction, training and support of volunteers
• reduce the effects of social isolation and enhancing the quality of life for people affected by heart failure

Service Description

The Heart Failure Volunteer Coordinator, assisted by volunteers, will offer friendship, information and support to enable patients to be socially active. The service is accessible to individuals throughout Lothian, and is linked with local cardiac support groups and voluntary agencies.

Seeking Volunteers

We are seeking volunteers to join the Heart Failure Volunteer Service. As part of the team, volunteers will help people affected by heart failure to be socially active through friendship and support.

Volunteers are offered an induction, and ongoing support and training to meet any requirements of the service. Any expenses incurred are reimbursed.

Potential activities would depend on the interests and skills of the volunteer and may include

• recreational activities—watching a video, reading a book
• leisure pursuits—art and crafts, sports and hobbies
• social outings—shops, cinema or theatre, community or church groups
• helping with a message or keeping in touch with others
• beauty and grooming—hair and nail care, make-up
• providing informal relief for carers

If you are interested please contact

Heart Failure Volunteer Coordinator
Sandra Brown
Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland
65, North Castle Street
Edinburgh EH2 3LT
Telephone 0131 225 6963
Email sandra.brown@chss.org.uk

or call the CHSS Volunteering Line on 0800 169 5139

Community Support