In a statement released by Will to Give member, Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke, the Northern Ireland charity reassured it’s service users that they are still there for the people that need them.
‘Our friends, family and neighbours with chest, heart and stroke conditions are some of the most at risk from COVID-19.
1,200 local people rely on our services every week.
We have had to suspend our face-to-face services, but we are still here for you, as we have been for the past 74 years.
Our care team is working tirelessly to continue supporting everyone who needs us.
We have contacted everyone who uses our services and everyone will get a call each week for the duration of this crisis.
We will support the delivery of the current PHA advice, as well as providing tips, hints and activities for staying well.
We are here to offer a listening ear. While many of our service users will be in isolation during this time to protect themselves, we are here to ensure that they will never be alone.
We are also working to rapidly re-design our services to find new ways of getting our help to people with chest, heart and stroke conditions, to support their ongoing rehabilitation and self-management.
We will be introducing adapted programmes for stroke survivors, those living with COPD and other respiratory conditions, and we are continuing to forge ahead with our new Heart Strong Pilot.
We are also mindful of carers and their role and will be offering emotional support to you as well.
We are also providing information on our website which will be continuously updated: www.nichs.org.uk/coronavirus
If you are affected by a chest heart and stroke condition or become diagnosed during this time, please contact our care services team via the website link below.
If you are a Health Professional please refer anyone who needs our specialised support, advice and information.
CONTACT OUR SUPPORT SERVICES: www.nichs.org.uk/request-a-callback/
