How it all started!

The Salford Heart Care was founded by Bernard Hamilton in 1987.  He recognised that there was a need for rehabilitation & support for patients recovering from heart disease, when treatments were not as advanced as they are these days.  He found the pressures of having to adopt a new lifestyle overwhelming.

He found living extremely stressful and eventually had another heart attack.  This time he knew that he would not return to work and he dedicated himself to forming the Salford Heart Care Club that became the present charity of Salford Heart Care.

Bernard died in 1988, aged 49, having led the Group through its first year.  The Group is now in its 21st year and continues to assist heart sufferers and, importantly, support their carers and family.

Why Join Salford Heart Care?

There are many benefits to be gained from our practical support.   Discussing mutual experiences can help with feelings of depression, frustration, anxiety (why me?)  Coming to terms with a whole new way of life needs support for the patient and their families and carers.   There can be an overwhelming reaction to a diagnosis of heart disease (and other long term health conditions) that can be alleviated by meeting with others combined with therapies such as Reiki or Indian Head Massage and relaxation.  We also offer gentle exercise such as dance instruction or yoga.  The result of meeting others in the group situation can be that confidence is renewed and restored.  Membership and attending our meetings is still beneficial even if members decide that they are then able to return to work. 

The practical support extends to arranging an active social calendar with 'days out' to places of interest or for shopping and lunch.  We also have an annual Christmas Party with live entertainment. 

Liaison with other groups and patrons

The Group has close associations with Salford Primary Care Trust's Cardiac Rehabilitation Team and are in partnership with the Coronary Heart Disease Collaborative for Manchester, Salford and Trafford.  We are members of the British Heart Foundation.  Our Patrons are Dr Alan Fitchet, Consultant Cardiologist at Hope Hospital and Fred Fielder, celebrity MC & broadcaster.

New Members

New faces are always welcome.   Just come along to any of our meetings and you will be warmly received.   We have  meetings that cover many neighbourhood areas of Salford and welcome people from all over Salford and district.