About Children's Heart Association

In the years since the Association was formed, it has helped hospitals with the funding of vital pieces of equipment and has given support and understanding to many families.

The Association’s four main aims are:

• To give support and understanding to parents and families
• To improve facilities for children at heart units
• To maintain standards of improvement as new techniques develop
• To raise funds to help purchase specialised equipment

The Association does raise funds, but tries to use these activities therapeutically. There is, quite often, a very strong need to give something back.

Fundraising is perhaps the most positive and constructive way to fulfil these needs and also helps to purchase those items that are so desperately needed. The Association actively encourages outside bodies to adopt it as their charity, allowing more time to pursue supporting activities.

The Association endeavours to work closely with the paediatric cardiac units across the country and makes every effort to build up a relationship with, and gain the trust and backing of, the cardiac staff of these units.

It tries to bridge the gap between the home and the hospital.

The Association cannot give medical advice, that's a job for the professionals. It can, however, put families in touch with others with similar problems.

Various activities are designed for members to meet and evolve a feeling of belonging (including the brothers and sisters of cardiac children, who often have to share their parents' time and attention a little more than would normally be expected).

The Association is also for the nursing and medical staff - the stress can be great for the most experienced of nurses - many of whom have become members.

Our history

The Association for Children with Heart Disorders was formed in the UK in 1973.