A heart failure diagnosis can change every aspect of a person's life, affecting both physical and emotional wellbeing. Thanks to the support of our community, Heartbeat is now funding a dedicated Heart Failure Psychological Therapy service, helping patients receive the specialist support they need when they need it most.
Discover how this vital service is transforming lives, and how your support can help us continue making a difference for cardiac patients and their families.
Expanding Our Support: Introducing a Heart Failure Psychological Therapist
At Heartbeat, we understand that living with a heart condition affects far more than physical health. Following the success of funding two Cardiac Youth Workers to support young people aged 11–25 facing the physical and emotional challenges of complex heart conditions, we are proud to announce the next step in our commitment to supporting cardiac patients throughout their lives.
We are delighted to be funding a dedicated Heart Failure Psychological Therapist for adults aged 25 and over, providing specialist psychological support from the point of diagnosis and throughout their ongoing cardiac journey.
We are also delighted to welcome Rebecca Budge to the team as our Heart Failure Psychological Therapist. Rebecca will be supporting both newly diagnosed and existing cardiac patients, helping them to better understand and manage the emotional and psychological impact of living with heart failure. Her role will focus on improving heart failure outcomes by empowering patients with the knowledge, confidence, and coping strategies needed to manage their condition effectively.
A heart disease diagnosis can be life-changing at any age. Alongside the physical impact, many patients experience emotional and psychological challenges, including anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, uncertainty about the future, and changes to their sense of identity. These challenges can affect wellbeing, relationships, and quality of life, yet many people struggle to access the support they need.
Rebecca's work will help patients develop a greater sense of control over their health and wellbeing. Encouraging health empowerment and self-management can reduce feelings of anxiety, support adjustment following diagnosis, and help individuals navigate challenges such as identity loss and changes in lifestyle. By providing patients with the tools and support they need, we aim to help them feel more confident and in control of their cardiac journey.
This new role will ensure that adult cardiac patients have access to tailored psychological care when they need it most. From diagnosis onwards, patients will receive compassionate, specialist support to help them build resilience, manage the emotional impact of heart failure, and navigate the challenges that can accompany living with a long-term condition.
At Heartbeat, we remain committed to improving the lives of people affected by heart conditions at every stage of life. Funding this new service is another important step towards ensuring that no cardiac patient faces their journey alone and that emotional wellbeing is recognised as a vital part of cardiac care.