Real life groups

[Lynxmygingerb]

Just wondered if anyone was interested in a meet in person group just for sharing and friendship with people that understand the trials and tribulations we have to go through. I don't have anyone who understands apart from online. I live in the Watford Hertfordshire area. 🙂🙂

[BeKind28-]

Hello

I do not live in that area and I can understand how it would be nice to meet people in person for support etc but please be careful I am sure the majority of members on here are genuine but this is still the internet and so I always think if you decide as some do to meet up you get to know them very well on here first where you are safe before you meet up

That is just my opinion though and I hope you take it in the caring way it is meant to be by looking out for each other

Have you looked if there are any support groups that meet up in your area I know some areas have them even not all do though and maybe you have tried that already x

[Lynxmygingerb in reply to BeKind28-]

Thank you for that advice. I just feel so alone and would like to chat face to face. However yet again you are right. ❤️

[Scaredycat12 in reply to Lynxmygingerb]

Hi. I think that's a great idea. Meeting face to face with people in the same or similar situation to offer support, a friendly ear by someone who understands is so important. Online is good but there's no substitute for face to face interaction. Naturally safety etc needs to be considered. I live in London by the way and am recently diagnosed.

[BeKind28- in reply to Lynxmygingerb]

Hello

Do a Google search in your area and see if you can find any groups I found a couple of links not sure if they are anywhere near you but meanwhile even though not face to face you do have us which I hope helps you to feel not so much alone as you have been doing

bhf.org.uk/what-we-do/find-...

w3rt.org/community_events

[Karpaw in reply to Lynxmygingerb]

I feel the same. It would be nice to chat to others. I had cardiac arrest whilst shopping 10 weeks ago I'm still getting used to what happened to me. I cannot find anything in my area.

[Lynxmygingerb in reply to Karpaw]

It is such a shock for you and your family. It is awful.. Where do you live. I am so grateful for this website but we need to talk face to face if poss hug and cry together because we just need somone who understands. 🥲

[Dogloverxthree]

I think this a great idea, especially if you have no family

[Blueberrylover]

I would love that but am a long way from your area, I am from Wales.

[Dollcollector in reply to Blueberrylover]

Whereabouts in Wales. I am in Midwales. I would love to be in a group of people who are in the same situation as me. I feel like the odd one out in the groups that l am in presently.

[DWizza]

Most trusts have a cardiac rehab program and associated support team. I have just enrolled in mine and there are group session talks to attend. I really hope you find the right support , it is very helpful to talk to someone. Wishing you all the best , Wizza in rural Kent ❤️

[dubsta]

Oh I agree there is nothing like face to face. I would love to be part of the group, however I am over in Hereford. X

[Bingo88]

That's a great idea. Perhaps it could be made into an overnight hotel stay or weekend for people who have to travel. I will still drive anywhere and would be interested. Brian

[Lynxmygingerb in reply to Bingo88]

Maybe I will try and sort something. I think there is a need for people to meet and talk. If I sort something I will post it. 🥰

[Bingo88 in reply to Lynxmygingerb]

That would be great. Thank you. Brian

[Catmum23]

I'm in Berkhamsted so not far from you.I'm 56 and had aortic valve replaced in May, also had sepsis at the same time. Heart problem was picked up when I was taken into hospital. 6 weeks in Hammersmith. Just glad I'll be around for daughters wedding next year. On the mend now back at work but reduced my hours to 6 a day so I'm free in the afternoons x

[Alison_L]

Pre you-know-what, we had a support group that met 10 times a year. Unfortunately, the committee were elderly and set in their ways, and despite them making noises, they haven’t restarted, but at the same time won’t hand over the reigns. Very disappointing. Your heart team (especially the rehab team) will know if there is a group local to you x

[HHH2017]

Agree face to face helped me a lot but I got this via my cardio rehab group. Do talk to your GP and ask for a referral. It varies per region it seems but my rehab service was excellent and only stopped by the dreaded 2020 doors closed 🤦🏽‍♀️

I attended classes for 3 months followed by a special cardio exercise class for hearties for a year. I really hope there is domething similar in your area, mine was at my local leisure centre. Whatever you do stay safe.

[Lynxmygingerb in reply to HHH2017]

Thank you so much. 😊

[TAVIshock]

Dear Lynx,

I live in Oxford, and am pretty immobile, so face-to-face is impracticable. However I am rather isolated and would welcome contact, by e-mail or phone. Meanwhile, do keep as cheerful and positive as you can. At all events,, warm good wishes

Tavisshock

T

[Pouchielou1972]

I would love that as I also feel alone locally in my diagnosis of heart failure. I'm not far from you as I'm in Dunstable. I have done cardiac rehab, but nobody spoke to each other, they just got on with the class and left.

[Lynxmygingerb in reply to Pouchielou1972]

Maybe we can sort something out. I work so evening would be better. 😊

[Pouchielou1972 in reply to Lynxmygingerb]

The same here. It’s good to feel you're not on your own 🤗

[Blearyeyed]

If you go onto the British Heart Foundation website and search for Heart Support Groups that has a postcode checker to let you know which is your nearest support group.These groups are sometimes online and some are social groups which have begun to restart face to face sessions again.

If there are a lot of people on this forum whom fancy trying a local group you could find out the details of the BHF group near you and decide to go together as a group from the forum by making arrangements in private messages.

Forum Administration on a lot of HU forums usually put up posts to tell people in advance where and when each local heart group has their meetings. I can't remember seeing those recently on our forum .

Maybe we could go back to getting a weekly Social Check In post added each Monday to start each weeks social chat , and that this post could list the face to face and online meetings for each different area that week , It would certainly make it easier to find a group to join.

I'm in North Wales , not sure whether one is near me , hugs , Bee

[Dogloverxthree in reply to Blearyeyed]

Hi bee excellent idea I would so welcome a regular meet up group. I live in Portsmouth and we did have a group but it came to an end a few years ago, I am sure there would be a call for it question is how to get it started? 🤔 safely and official!

[MrsSuzuki]

I think it's a great idea. Unfortunately I'm in North Yorkshire so that's a long way from you. Good luck with finding similar people who would like to share experiences with you 👍.

Lily

[Lynxmygingerb]

Hi to all of you,

I would just like to say thank you so much for all of your encouraging comments and support.

I have had a lovely 60th Birthday but am now exhausted. I am so pleased I found this Forum last night, you have all lifted my spirits. 👍😄

[Skuggi]

Not real life but a Zoom meet might work.

[JeremiahObadiah]

So glad you had a lovely birthday.

Do see if there are any possible groups near you that you could join. There might be a suitable gym group -thinking yoga or stretch type classes, or a hobby group, do you enjoy any crafts which you could explore, or a book group, or a walking group attached to your GP surgery..

I agree that a specific heart health group would be great but we are all so spread out .

Keep talking here, we are happy to try to replace In Person meets!

[Lynxmygingerb]

Thank you 😊