Heartbeat hosts activity weekend for young cardiac patients

Twelve young cardiac patients have spent a weekend embracing the great outdoors at Ferny Croft Scout Activity Centre in Lyndhurst.

As part of Southampton cardiac charity Heartbeat’s youth provision, the group of young people living with congenital heart disease enjoyed some leisure time in the New Forest, with outdoor activities such as crate stacking, archery and evenings around the campfire.

For some of the young patients, it was their first time away from home as they all enjoyed the two-day residential trip arranged by Heartbeat, which regularly organises meet-ups, activities and trips for young cardiac patients to help them make friends, find peer support and build independence as they transition to adulthood.

Cardiac Youth Worker Rebecca Cutler said: “This trip was all about boosting confidence in our young people and helping them connect with others experiencing similar challenges. For some of the group, the weekend marked their very first night away from home. Not only did they get to experience an overnight trip, we also learnt a lot more about what our young people need from us.

“From sailing to cookery classes, we organise a huge range of activities for our young people as well as offering practical and emotional support. We provide a space for them to be themselves and feel accepted. Many of our older children have now formed their own friendship groups and even arrange to meet-up on their own.”

Marketing Manager at Heartbeat Tanya Harder said: “Many of the children we support are learning how to navigate childhood with a health condition – something which comes with enormous challenges. We’re planning to expand our youth provision even further because we know how much of a positive impact it has on our young people.”