Q.

Why should I join a support group?

A.

Being told you have a heart problem can be a major blow to many sufferers – and it can result in lack of confidence. 

Q.

I am not working so how can I afford to go out?

A.

Being unable to work through illness does not mean life stops, although it can mean a change of activities.

Q.

How much will attending the social events cost me?

A.

We ask for £1.00 from attendees, for 5 raffle tickets, but you do not have to buy these if you don’t want to.  You don’t even have to drink if you choose not to.  Therefore it becomes a very “cheap” form of socialising. 

Q.

Do you just talk about “illness” at the meetings?

A.

Absolutely not – the monthly meetings are fundamentally a social gathering. 

We try to vary the speakers, with a range of interesting light-hearted topics with the occasional more serious and informative subject matter.

Q.

What if I really want to talk to someone about my condition?

A.

If you want to talk about something specific, from someone who has (or had) the same condition, then we can arrange this for you – send an email to and we will research an appropriate member for you to speak with.

Q.

Why do you have your meetings in a clubhouse?

A.

As a support group we have accepted the use of premises offering us the space and facilities our members need for a comfortable meeting.

When Heartline was formed over 12 years ago the venue was on Leeds Road but with changing ownership and increasing membership numbers a more suitable venue was sought Lindley Liberal Club offered their premises which have proved more than acceptable for our purpose.  As all members know the location of Huddersfield Royal Infirmary it was very easy for them to find this venue.  As the club give us the use of the concert room each month and a separate room for our Committee meetings we have not had reason to seek an alternative location.

The range of refreshments available for both the beer drinkers (in moderation of course) and those who prefer soft drinks are all reasonably priced.

Q.

Is there free parking available?

A.

Yes on both sides of the club house you can park for free on the street.

Q.

I am not very good at attending somewhere when I don’t know anyone – what can you do to help?

A.

You can make contact with one of the committee by emailing – and they will talk to you beforehand arranging to meet with you on arrival and ensure you are introduced to other people so you will not be “on your own”.

Q.

Can I bring a friend, although they don’t have a heart problem?

A.

Most certainly, we encourage potential members to bring a friend/spouse/partner along.  Often they feel isolated because after diagnosis all focus is on the patient, leaving them wondering about their role, by coming along they can talk with others who understand their feelings.

Q.

I have seen you do monthly walks during the “warmer” months, what     special equipment do I need? 

A.

We do not expect you to have anything “special” but with the unpredictable weather we are experiencing stout footwear, mac and possibly a brolly would be a good idea also perhaps a change of shoes (in your car) for afterwards.   

Q.

I am on a strict diet so eating out is difficult?

A.

You do not have to have something to eat after the walk, some members just enjoy the “chatting” during the walk and go home afterwards.  Others stay for just a drink and chat, or even eat their own sandwiches in the car before joining the social chinwag.

Q.

To attend the social evenings do I have to wear a tie – since being ill I no longer have suits (my weight fluctuates now)?

A.

No, there is no dress code, although we do prefer smart casual.  The main consideration is for you to be comfortable and able to relax.

Q.

I would like to feel I can help others, what do you suggest?

A.

We have a Buddy’s scheme which enables members to respond to calls from others and/or eventually you may wish to join the committee. New ideas and ways in which we can support others are always welcome.

Q.

I have given up driving because my confidence has gone, can someone help me, my spouse doesn’t drive?

A.

This could be something that by talking to others at the meetings you may establish a contact to assist, perhaps just by sitting with you and going on short journeys.  This type of confidence loss can take a while to be regained.

Q.

Would someone be able to help me with a weekly diet plan to help me eat healthily – I am living alone?

A.

Taking medication means you need to eat regularly, not large meals, and again most of our members have had this consideration.  You may find new ideas and recipe tips of simple healthy foods which you could try.  Many things are trial and error.

Q.

Could I set up a network for my hobby from within Heartline?

A.

We would be happy to put the details of appropriate hobbies on our website and in our Newsletter for you to see the level of interest and you can take it from there.

Q.

If I become a member must I commit to attending every monthly meeting?

A.

No, membership will entitle you to receive a copy of the quarterly Newsletter, participation in the walking group and attendance to any or all social events.

Q.

How will I know what events you have planned?

A.

We publish the forthcoming speakers/events on the web pages and also in the Newsletters, however we do from time to time have to amend the programme to meet the requests of our speakers.

Q.

Do Heartline arrange day trips and/or holidays?

A.

We don’t have any scheduled but if there was a desired need we could consider this.

Q.

How can I find out about suitable travel insurance?

A.

Talking to members and gaining tips from them. You can post a message on our website message board and use the experiences of other members – insurance cover/premiums vary depending on whether or not you are considered still under consultation and whether your condition is stable by medication.

Q.

I am not happy about leaving my partner at home alone while I go out (hairdresser/shopping etc) we don’t have family nearby, would someone be willing to help me?

A.

We have a “Buddy’s” scheme which can assist in this type of incidence. Initially there should be an informal meeting so that you can ensure everyone is comfortable with the situation. Drop a line to

Q.

I need immediate help with some gardening/domestic duties, just until I get my strength back up, can you suggest how I go about this?

A.

Gateway to Care (Kirklees Council Services) might be a good starting point, much will be determined by how much help and just what you want doing.  Alternatively drop a line to and we will try to put you in touch with someone with time available to assist you.

Q.

My doctor has said I should have the flu jab? Must I have this?

A.

This is not compulsory but as cardiac conditions affect breathing it makes sense to take preventative action so not to suffer a respiratory illness, such as ‘flu because you will have more difficulty in “shaking” it off.

Q.

My hands and feet feel cold most of the time now, why?

A.

This is an unfortunate side effect of many blood thinning tablets, it is therefore important to wear gloves when out and about and particularly when doing odd jobs outside.

Q.

I am thinking of returning to work – with my GP’s backing, how should I go about this, I feel quite nervous but do want to go back?

A.

If your company has a Personnel or HR department ask them to sit with you and your line manager to discuss returning gradually.  Perhaps it is possible to just a few hours a day first to regain your stamina.  If you feel they are not helping you to gradually get back into work and are concerned over your health speak to your GP about your concerns – do not ignore your health.

Q.

Can other members help me with their return to work experiences?

A.

We are trying to encourage members to put messages on the message board for this reason but also the Buddy Scheme is valuable in these situations.  If you have any queries please email

Q.

How many members do you have, do they all attend the social events?

A.

Approx 200 receive the Newsletter with the social evenings averaging around 50 attendees – this is often affected by their day time activities, (if the weather is good they may have expended a lot of energy in the garden or gone off for the day).

Q.

I have seen you run dancing classes, how much experience do I need to join?

A.

There is no requirement at all although obviously a willingness to learn, without getting stressed, is important. It is for enjoyment not competition.

Q.

Do I need permission from my GP before I can join any activities?

A.

It is important that your GP agrees with you regarding the type of activity which is best suited to your condition (not just your heart but any other ailments)

Q.

English is not my first language, can I still join?

A.

Yes, most certainly, you and your interpreter (friend/colleague/relative/carer) may also accompany you.

Q.

If I join a keep fit class do I have to pay even if I can’t attend?

A.

No with our classes you only pay as you attend, this is separate to your £5 annual membership.

Q.

Am I expected to get involved with raising funds for Heartline?

A.

We do not at present do any formal fundraising but if individual members which to organise their own event for the benefit of Heartline we will certainly support them.

Q.

What age do I have to be to join Heartline?

A.

Essentially we cater only for adults, because that is the category whose needs were identified when Heartline began.  If anyone under 18 wished to join us we would consider individual requests.