Rotary Heartbeat House celebrates 30th birthday in style

Rotary Heartbeat House, the warm and welcoming “home-from-home” run by cardiac charity Heartbeat, celebrated its 30^th anniversary with an afternoon tea - and revealed exciting renovation plans for its next chapter.

More than 40 Rotarians and the team from Heartbeat gathered at a celebratory afternoon tea to discuss the stunning renovation plans which will make the house more inclusive and accessible.

A branch of cardiac charity Heartbeat, Heartbeat House was built to be a safe haven for relatives and loved ones of cardiac patients receiving treatment. Just a stone’s throw from the University Hospital Southampton, the house has supported countless families and patients and is a ‘home away from home’ during what is often a challenging time for families.

The new plans will see bedrooms fitted with en-suite wet-rooms for guests with mobility requirements, an external patio with step-free access to the wider garden and communal spaces for remote working and community events.

Head of Operations at Heartbeat Tina Richardson said: “The renovations will ensure every family who comes through our doors feels safe, supported and at home – no matter their needs.

“Many of our guests are going through a deeply distressing time, so it’s really important they receive a warm welcome and have a peaceful stay. Heartbeat House has been a safe haven for the past three decades and I know it will continue being just that for many years to come.”

Head of Business and Donor Development at Heartbeat, Tina Tolley Commented: "The incredible generosity of our local Rotary Clubs and supporters truly makes all the difference to the upkeep of the house. Their kindness helps us keep cardiac families close to their loved ones during some of the toughest times of their lives. In 2024 alone, Rotary Heartbeat House became a safe haven for 418 families when it mattered most. We couldn’t provide this service without our fantastic supporters."