CHARITY CELEBRATES 30 PHONE-NOMENAL YEARS
A NATIONAL charity is calling on shoppers to join the celebrations as it marks 30 years of supporting people across Scotland via a crucial telephone adviceline.
This October, Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS) is throwing open its arms, and its famous phone lines, to celebrate three decades of their support which has led to Scots living life to the fullest with chest, heart, stroke, or long Covid conditions.
The charity, which has dialled in over 100,000 calls nationally since launching the Advice Line, is inviting everyone it has touched, service users, families, volunteers, donors, and staff, to join the festivities at St James Quarter in Edinburgh on September 30 and Braehead Shopping Centre in Glasgow on October 1.
Proudly named ‘30 Years, Thousands of Voices’, expect moving stories, moments of joy and a few surprises, including two big comfortable chairs and an old-fashioned rotary telephone that lets visitors listen to real, heart-warming stories from people whose lives were transformed by CHSS’s support.
CHSS representatives will also be present at both events to engage with visitors and share information about the charity’s wide range of services. From the early days of community outreach to becoming a lifeline during the Covid lockdowns, CHSS has been just a phone call or text away for people during their most vulnerable moments.
“This is going to be a very special occasion,” said Jane-Claire Judson, Chief-Executive of Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland.
“For 30 years, CHSS has had the privilege of being at the end of the phone for people during some of the most difficult times in their lives, offering comfort, strength, and support when it’s needed most. We’d love anyone who has ever been part of our journey to join us. No life should be half lived. Everyone has the right to live life to the full – and sometimes all it takes is a call to change that.”
The CHSS Advice Line is open to anyone affected by chest, heart, stroke conditions or Long Covid. Families and carers are also welcome to seek support through the service, and health professionals are encouraged to use the patient referral pathway.
After a diagnosis, many people feel fear and isolation, struggling with how it will impact their lives. The Advice Line exists to ensure everyone has the chance to live life to the full. People can expect a qualified, supportive listening ear, with trusted support from our team of qualified healthcare professionals, including nurses, practitioners, and trained advisors.
The CHSS dedicated team can help by answering questions about health conditions, whether someone is newly diagnosed or has been living with them for years.
They also provide emotional and psychological wellbeing support and can refer people to other CHSS services, including Peer Support Groups, Kindness Calls, or Community Support Services.
In addition, the team links volunteers with individuals for ongoing encouragement, sends helpful health booklets and factsheets by email or post, and recommends other trusted organisations and services as part of the charity’s outreach.
The Advice Line is free and completely confidential. It is available Monday – Friday, 9.30am to 4pm.
Call: 0808 802 0899
Email: adviceline@chss.org.uk
Text: advice to 66777
