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Heart Failure Warriors NI News
August, 2025 - Advocacy Workshop to improve palliative care
On August 27th an advocacy workshop for improving access to palliative care for those impacted by heart failure was held at the Europa Hotel, Belfast. Speakers included Linda Cooper, Tracy McConnell, Ashleen Crowe and our own Nicole McKelvie from HFWNI.
Findings from a recent survey were presented and discussed by those in attendance.
A big thank-you to all those who participated in the event!
August, 2025 - Workshop with LVAD caregivers
Some members of Heart Failure Warriors attended a workshop with patients with a LVAD (Left Ventricular Assist Device) and their caregivers in conjunction with the Ulster University and the PHA.
The purpose was to discuss needs; what patients and caregivers found most challenging in daily life, what additional support/information would have been or still would be beneficial, as well as what are the benefits of a VAD.
It was a very informative workshop and we were delighted to meet some new patients and their families.
May, 2025 - Banbridge Brownies Sponsered Walk
Well done girls - a big thank you from all of us!
May, 2025 - SHSCT HF Service is 1st in UK!
The Southern Trust in Northern Ireland is proud to be the first organisation in the UK to receive pre-accreditation as a Specialised Quality of Care Centre by the European Society of Cardiology.
This prestigious recognition represents the gold standard in heart failure services as part of an international programme led by the Heart Failure Association.
Heart Failure Warriors NI is delighted to be part of this achievement. Patient Advocacy all the way, with the continued help and support of our amazing Health Care Professionals!
April 2025 - HFWNI expands to South Eastern Trust
A support group for people living with heart failure, ‘Heart Failure Warriors’, has extended its reach into the Lisburn area of the South Eastern Trust, having originally been established within the Southern Trust.
Heart Failure Warriors was created to support and empower individuals living with heart failure, offering a space to share experiences, gain knowledge and feel part of a community that truly understands the challenges of this condition.
The first Lisburn meeting took place recently and was warmly welcomed by those who attended. Patients received valuable education from the South Eastern Trust Heart Failure Team, Grainne Toal and Andrea Corbett alongside Luna Cousins, Cardiac Rehabilitation Co-Ordinator.
Chairperson of the group, Nicole McKelvie, also shared her personal journey of being diagnosed with heart failure.
March 2025 - Royal visit
King Charles III and Queen Camilla have visited Banbridge, County Down, for their third and final day of engagements in Northern Ireland.
Hundreds of people gathered in the streets holding bouquets and waved flags as the Royal couple arrived.
While Queen Camilla visited the town's library, the King met with local representatives at Banbridge Old Town Hall, including Nicole McKelvie from Heart Failure Warriors NI! Nicole was honoured to meet his majesty and explain what Heart Failure is, and to tell him about our charity. King Charles is now the proud owner of one of our HFW badges!
February 2025 - Tesco Bucket Collection
On Friday and Saturday, Heart Failure Warriors held a bucket collection at Tesco in The Boulevard in Banbridge. Thanks to the generous support from the weekend shoppers we raised a whopping £746.68! A big thank you to all the volunteers who helped with the collection and special thanks to David and all the staff at Tesco for facilitating our collection.
November 2024 - GHH Unite Summit
Global Heart Hubs 4th Annual Unite Summit 2024 was held in Dublin and brought together patient organisations including Heart Failure Warriors, clinicians, and key stakeholders from around the world to address cardiovascular disease and interconnected conditions, including stroke, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, liver disease and obesity.
This was a great opportunity to meet up with similar charities and listen to individual stories from across the globe.