We’ll make you feel a lot better
A charity organisation is throwing the doors of its Wishaw hub open to people who have suffered chest, heart and stroke problems.
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS) has a brand new community space within its retail shop in the town’s Main Street.
CHSS are inviting people affected by conditions such as COPD, coronary heart disease, or stroke to come along to their Living Well course where they can share their experiences with others with similar health problems.
Tracey Groom, community hub engagement co-ordinator, said: “After a stroke or diagnosis of a chest or heart condition, people can feel scared, anxious and isolated as they struggle with the impact on their lives. We’re about making sure they get the right information and rehabilitation, and live their lives to the very best they can.
“One in five of the Scottish population is living with chest, heart and stroke conditions. The conditions are all linked and go handin-hand.
“The support groups make a real difference to people’s recovery and quality of life. ”
CHSS also provide rehabilitation support in the community.
“We have five community hubs including Wishaw and these allow us to deliver our services in an accessible area”, Tracey continued.
“It would be fantastic if people who are living with these conditions, often in isolation, can read this and realise they have another place to go to and meet other people who suffer from these conditions.
“It’s not like having to go into a hospital. We are people-driven so the community will decide what they need and what they want.
“This course is a good opener to find out what is needed. It’s not about us developing it, it’s about them. It’s about making services accessible.
“We have stroke nurses based at Wishaw hospital and great partnerships with Citizens Advice and the local community, so that was one of the drivers to opening the hub here.
“Support groups like this one in Wishaw will provide the opportunity to share experiences with people who understand what you are going through in a friendly, supporting environment, and to make new friends.”
The support groups make a real difference to people’s recovery and quality of life