The somerville foundation

The Somerville Foundation: Supporting Those with Congenital Heart Disease

The Somerville Foundation is a UK-based charity that is dedicated to supporting young people and adults who were born with all types of heart conditions, also known as Congenital Heart Disease (CHD). The foundation was established in 1993 by a group of patients who wanted to create an organization that would provide support, information, and advocacy for those living with CHD.

Since its inception, the Somerville Foundation has grown into the only UK-wide charity that focuses solely on supporting individuals with CHD. The foundation's mission is to improve the quality of life for those affected by CHD by providing them with access to information, resources, and support networks.

One of the key ways in which the Somerville Foundation supports individuals with CHD is through their helpline service. This service provides confidential advice and support to anyone affected by CHD, including patients, parents/carers, and healthcare professionals. The helpline team consists of trained volunteers who have personal experience of living with CHD or caring for someone who does.

In addition to their helpline service, the Somerville Foundation also offers a range of other services designed to help individuals living with CHD. These include:

- Support groups: The foundation runs several local support groups across the UK where individuals can meet others living with similar conditions.

- Information resources: The foundation produces a range of information leaflets and booklets covering various aspects of living with CHD.

- Advocacy: The foundation works closely with healthcare professionals and policymakers to ensure that the needs of those affected by CHD are taken into account when decisions are made about healthcare provision.

- Events: Throughout the year, the foundation organizes various events such as conferences and workshops aimed at providing education and networking opportunities for those affected by CHD.

The work done by the Somerville Foundation has had a significant impact on improving outcomes for individuals living with CHD. Through their advocacy work, the foundation has helped to raise awareness of the needs of those affected by CHD and has played a key role in shaping healthcare policy in the UK.

In addition to their work supporting individuals with CHD, the Somerville Foundation also funds research into the causes and treatment of CHD. This research is aimed at improving our understanding of this complex condition and developing new treatments that can improve outcomes for patients.

Overall, the Somerville Foundation is an essential resource for anyone living with or caring for someone with CHD. Their commitment to providing support, information, and advocacy has made a significant difference in improving outcomes for those affected by this condition. If you or someone you know is living with CHD, we encourage you to get in touch with the Somerville Foundation today to find out how they can help.