Health Charity Launches Community Healthcare Support Service in Lothian

Leading health charity Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland today launched a new Community Healthcare Support Service in Lothian.

The programme will initially support those who have experienced stroke and follows a pilot programme that took place in Grampian in September of this year.  

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.    

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 programme 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. 

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 in Lothian 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 programme is a key step for us in our ambition to deliver our Community Healthcare Support Service to 175,000 people annually by 2028 and achieve our No Life Half Lived mission.” 

Dr Charlie Chung, AHP Stroke Strategic Lead, NHS Lothian, commented: “I am delighted that Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland are commencing their delivery of the supported self management groups for people with stroke. This group programme will help stroke survivors to develop their skills and confidence to live their lives to the maximum potential following stroke.” 

Paul Stapel, who has taken part in the pilot programme, said: “The timing was brilliant because I’d reached a plateau in my recovery. I’d lost my motivation because I’d failed to get my driving licence back. I thought this could be what I need, and it was. It changed my mindset. 

“Being with other people who have had a stroke was helpful, too. It’s very reassuring when you know you’re not the only one. Everyone’s symptoms and problems might be different, but we are all trying to achieve the same things of dealing better with the outcomes of stroke.”   

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. 

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.