Health Charity Launches Community Healthcare Support Service in Grampian 

Leading health charity Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland today launched a new service in NHS Grampian to help the one in five people living with chest, heart and stroke conditions and Long Covid live life to the full. 

The evidence based Supported Self Management programme, which was originally developed at Stanford University, is aimed at anyone living with a chest, heart or stroke condition or Long Covid. The pilot programme which is taking place in Grampian is currently available for those post-stroke. 

For 2.5 hours per week over six weeks, participants will develop the skills and knowledge to deal with the ongoing symptoms of chronic disease such as fatigue, pain, sleeplessness and stress, enabling individuals to self manage their condition and live life to the fullest.   

The programme uses goal setting, effective problem solving, tips for eating well and handling difficult emotions, as well as providing advice on how to hold conversations with health care professionals ensuring every individual is in control of their own health. 

The course is delivered by Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland’s community healthcare support team which includes healthcare professionals, community coordinators and volunteers. It is available online, or in person either in a one-to-one or group setting. 

Joanne Graham, Director of Service Delivery at CHSS, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be rolling out this programme which is proven to help people living with long-term conditions to manage their health and wellbeing better. 

“People living with chest, heart, stroke and Long Covid conditions can continue to live full, happy lives while managing their health knowing that they are in control of their condition and what matters to them. This course is a key step for us in our ambition to deliver our Community Healthcare Support Service to 175,000 people and achieve our No Life Half Lived mission.” 

The programme is proven to help people with chronic long term health conditions manage symptoms such as fatigue, pain, sleeplessness and shortness of breath. It also provides advice on dealing with emotional problems including depression, anger, fear and frustration. 

How people manage their condition on a day-to-day basis greatly determines their symptoms and quality of life. CHSS’ 1 in 5 Report, published in October 2023, revealed that people receiving support from the charity rated both their health and mental wellbeing higher than those who had not been able to access CHSS support 

This new Supported Self Management Programme will extend this level of support to more people across Grampian, enabling them to better manage their conditions and live their lives to the full.  

If you would like to take part in this programme or are a health professional interested in referring someone to it, call or visit the CHSS Advice Line on 0808 801 0899.