Heartlink out with the Christmas crowds
Over 20 Heartlink members and volunteers helped us run a charity stall at Ealing Broadway Christmas Market on the last two Saturdays before Christmas. We were out and about in the market, raising our profile and talking to hundreds of shoppers, with much positive feedback. We spoke to many people about heart health and actively promoted the Ealing Smokefree Service. We collected several hundreds of pounds in donations to help us with our work.
Our particular thanks to all the volunteers who helped in chilly and breezy conditions. We are also grateful to the Ealing Broadway Shopping Centre for the use of their special Christmas charity stall.
See MORE PHOTOS in our Photogallery - click HERE
Food and entertainment at our Hub Christmas Party
Just a few days before Christmas, a full hall of Heartlink members and supporters enjoyed an afternoon of food, entertainment and prizes at our Hub Christmas Party. The free event was run by Heartlink to get people together to enjoy a good celebration in the run up to Christmas. As well as lots of samosas and party food, we were entertained with dancing and singing from Kamaljeet Sembhi and Uttara Joshi, and finally, with lots of prizes in our Hub Christmas Raffle.
The event was run by the Heartlink volunteers, and our particular thanks go to Dolly who ran the kitchen and organised our entertainers. Thanks also to our tireless supporter, Councillor Mrs Mrs Mohinder Midha who attended to give us every encouragement, and also to photographer Ravi Bolina for some great photos. Another success for Heartlink!
See MORE PHOTOS in our Photogallery HERE
Huge interest at Greenford Mosque
On Friday 15th November, over 500 worshippers at Greenford Mosque listened to Heartlink supporter and leading local cardiologist Dr Nabeel Ahmed talk about heart health and getting help to give up smoking. Meanwhile, Heartlink members ran a well-received stall with leaflets and booklets at the front of the Mosque.
Doctor Nabeel spoke and replied to questions for half an hour, responding to a high level of interest in the audience. After prayers, both Doctor Nabeel and the volunteers were asked for lots of advice and information, particularly about how to access the new Ealing Smokefree service so that they can get help to quit smoking. Many said they find it difficult to use the normal ways of accessing NHS services to get the advice and help they want.
Heartlink is very grateful to Greenford Central Medina Mosque and its General Secretary, Mr Muhibur Rahman for the opportunity they provided us to raise vital awareness. We intend to try and address a number of other Mosques across the Ealing area in addition to Gurdwaras, Mandirs and other churches.
Students offered help to quit smoking
Heartlink volunteers, working with staff from the West London Health Trust who run the new Ealing Smokefree Service, ran a lively joint stall for students at the University of West London in the centre of Ealing.
After approaching the University, Heartlink was offered the opportunity to run a stall at the University's Mental Health and Well-being Fair in the centre of the University Campus. We were pleased to be joined by Maria and Ariana from the Smokefree Service itself, who ran a popular carbon monoxide testing machine, which many students used to check the level of CO (which comes from cigarettes) in their lungs.
A significant number of students who visited our stall were smokers, many of whom took details of the service to take up the offer of free Nicotine Replacement Therapy and one-to-one support to help them quit. We also had discussions with several students who have become addicted to vaping and who want to stop because they are worried about the likely damage to their health.
Over several hours, students were able to visit a large number of helpful stalls in the Fair run by the University and local charities like ourselves. We are very grateful to the University of West London for this opportunity.
Ealing Smokefree Service to save lives
Heartlink members and supporters learned about the new Ealing Smokefree service at our well attended meeting at Ealing Hospital on 7th November. As part of our work of raising awareness about heart disease in the community, Heartlink is now promoting this service wherever we go.
The presentation from Katerina Manginas of West London Health Trust, underlined that getting people to use the service to help them stop smoking will help save lives. She explained that the Ealing area has one of the highest levels of smokers in London, twice the level of many surrounding boroughs. Many local people have already come forward to use the service with encouraging results. The service offers:
- Free provision of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT),
- An 8-week personalised programme to support people to achieve their smokefree goals.
- One-to-one behavioural support.
NRT works by providing a controlled amount of nicotine without the harmful toxins found in cigarettes. By delivering nicotine in a more controlled manner, it helps alleviate withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability, cravings and mood swings, making it easier for you to stop smoking. Evidence shows that people are four times more likely to stop smoking successfully with the aid of stop smoking medication.
Click HERE to see Katerina's presentation which provides full details of the service and how to access it.
We also heard from Anish Dattani Superintendent Pharmacist from Southall Community Pharmacy who explained the extensive help that local community pharmacies in Ealing are providing to those who want to use the service.
Katerina thanked Heartlink for the work it is doing that has resulted in many people coming forward to use the Smokefree Service already. There was a lively question and answer session, and many attendees took leaflets to promote the service to friends, family and their local communities.
Heartlink AGM marks major progress
A well-attended Annual General Meeting of Heartlink on October 3rd celebrated the major achievements and progress made over the past year. While we have operated as the Ealing Hospital Heart Support Group for over 30 years, this marks our second full year as a registered charity.
We were greatly encouraged by the supportive speeches from important Ealing councillors, including Polly Knewstub, the cabinet member for Healthy Equal Lives, and our strong supporter, former Mayor of Ealing, Mrs. Mohinder Midha.
The meeting highlighted how, in line with our charitable objectives, we expanded our efforts to support heart patients at Ealing Hospital and the wider community. In addition to our core activities, such as our weekly Information Desk and visits to patients at Ealing Hospital, we continued to organize our Wednesday Walking Group and host our very popular monthly Educational Seminars.
To address inequalities, we also launched a monthly Community Hub where people can come together to share meals, engage in gentle exercise, build friendships, and learn new skills such as IT. The Hub has been very well received, becoming a key space for individuals to support each other and improve their wellbeing.
Another significant initiative was the launch of our Heart Health Campaign, which forms a major part of our outreach work. This campaign has been crucial in raising awareness of heart health, providing essential information, and promoting healthier lifestyles. The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive, demonstrating a strong commitment to improving personal heart health.
We conducted over fifteen successful visits to community groups, health centres, businesses and schools, where we engaged with the public, shared knowledge, and gathered valuable feedback. These interactions have not only strengthened our community ties but have also provided insights to better serve those affected by cardiovascular diseases.
All of our comprehensive events and activities are free and open to everyone.
The AGM concluded by re-electing our Trustees for another year and appointing a new and strengthened management committee to oversee Heartlink’s mission to support individuals with heart diseases and raise awareness of associated risks. See MORE PHOTOS HERE.
Ealing Hospital's new Community Diagnostic Centre
Heartlink representatives were delighted to attend the opening of Ealing Hospital’s new Community Diagnostic Centre on 23rd October. This state-of-the-art facility, costing £30 million, reflects the dedication of London North West University Healthcare Trust to delivering exceptional care and support to our communities. The Diagnostic Centre represents a significant enhancement in health services for local residents, particularly those with potential heart issues. It offers a comprehensive range of essential tests all within one unit, allowing patients to be referred by their GP for multiple assessments at once, resulting in quicker, less stressful diagnoses.
The unit was officially opened by Trust Chief Executive Pippa Nightingale, whose leadership helped make this centre of excellence in Ealing a reality, alongside the key team at the Trust. Heartlink, in partnership with the British Heart Foundation, is providing heart health information and booklets in the new Centre, as well as in the Hospital Cardiology Department. Our amazing volunteers are on hand at our Information Desks every Monday, highlighting the teamwork and community spirit that drive our heart mission forward.
Heartlink campaigns at Jubilee Gardens
Heartlink ran a highly successful public stall at Jubilee Gardens Health Centre in North Southall on Thursday 24th October. The Centre contains a Library and two GP surgeries. The event was a fantastic experience. We received a great response from the general public, who showed a lot of interest and enthusiasm. A good number of those who we saw were interested in the Smokefree Service and took leaflets for themselves or family members The event was well-organised, and it was wonderful to see so many people engaging and participating. Overall, it was a successful half day that left us feeling very positive about the impact we made.
Warm welcome at Greenford Mandir
A team of our wonderful Heartlink volunteers made a big impact amongst the hundreds attending the Shree Jalaram Mandir and Community Centre in Greenford on 10th October. We were made very welcome by the Mandir, particularly Dr Mansukh Morjaria of the Trustees, and we were given an opportunity to address everyone in the Prayer Hall. We explained about the role of Heartlink in the local community, what people can do to address the risks posed by heart disease, and particularly the opportunity for smokers to give up by getting help from Ealing Council's new Smokefree Service.
Many of the attendees came and talked to us at our information desk in the downstairs hall and lots of them told us they will use the Smokefree Service themselves or encourage friends or family to use it. All of our volunteers were invited to have some of the delicious food served in the hall.
Information Desk in brand new Community Diagnostic Centre
As winter approaches, Heartlink is increasing what we do to help local heart patients, with the support of our wonderful volunteers.
This particularly includes starting up an additional new weekly Information Desk and Booklet Rack in the new Community Diagnostic Centre located at Ealing Hospital (in addition to our Desk in the main entrance). As well as information about heart health, at the desk we are promoting Ealing's new Smokefree Service to help people give up smoking.
The new desk on Mondays at the hospital is located in the brand-new Community Diagnostic Centre facility, recently opened by the Hospital Trust. The Diagnostic Centre is a major improvement in health services for local people, especially those with potential heart problems. It contains facilities to carry out all the different vital tests in one new unit. People can be referred by their GP for all the tests they need at one go so diagnosis is quicker, less stressful and easier.
We would like to thank the Hospital Trust for enabling us to set up the New Information Desk and Booklet Rack.
Stall, speech and blood pressure checks
Heartlink made a big impact at the huge Sikh remembrance event for Sant Isher Singh Barsi in Northolt over the weekend of 7th & 8th September.
Our lively stall was visited by many of the attendees for advice about heart health and to learn what we do to help heart patients. Many took leaflets for the new Ealing Smokefree Service, which helps people quit smoking to improve their heart and general health.
On Saturday, hundreds of worshippers in the main tent were addressed by HeartlLink Trustee Dr Harmandeep Singh. He explained how living a healthy lifestyle accords with Sikh beliefs and reduces heart risks. His speech was broadcast internationally and there was a great response from the audience.
On Sunday we were joined by colleagues from Ealing Hospital and Northolt Seventh Day Adventist Church who spent the afternoon giving a queue of attendees blood pressure and BMI checks and basic health advice.
Our particular thanks to the 20 Heartlink members and supporters who ran the stall over the course of the weekend, Doctor Harmandeep Singh for his speech and members of the local Seventh Day Adventist church for their expert help.
Our volunteers enjoyed a selection of delicious food and snacks over the two days. See MORE PHOTOS HERE.
The importance of eye health
50 enthusiastic, Heartlink members enjoyed a fascinating presentation about eye health given by Subhash Suthar, Clinical & Therapeutics, Specialist Pharmacist (Ophthalmology) at our September meeting at Ealing Hospital.
Our topic was very much related to heart health, as many of our members and supporters suffer from eye health conditions which are linked to their heart conditions, some serious.
Subash gave us a fascinating presentation, drawing on his many years of experience in the area and his relationship with relevant specialists and institutions.
A copy of his presentation can be found HERE.
A copy of his detailed advice for using eye drops can be found BELOW.
He explained the anatomy of the eye and the age-related problems that often develop. He went into considerable detail about glaucoma, which is one of the commonest eye conditions, and the treatments that are used for it. He particularly emphasised the importance of us using regular prescribed medications, such as eye drops, exactly as prescribed, often daily or more frequently. He demonstrated an effective way of self- administering drops so that they enter the eye properly. He went on to explain about problems with dry eyes and the importance of selecting and using the most effective drops.
The questions and discussion which followed were wide-ranging, and many members participated and asked for advice.
Subhash is pictured above with many of the attendees.
Summer Party follows chair yoga
Members and supporters enjoyed a special session of our Community Hub in the height of summer.
On Thursday 15th August, more than 40 of us built up an appetite doing our regular chair yoga exercises, led by the excellent Mr Chana.
After that, the number of our volunteers helped serve delicious sandwiches, samosas fruit, cake and biscuits, plus tea and cold drinks to the attendees, while everyone had a good chat and catch up. We had a few words from one of our most dedicated and distinguished supporters, Councillor Mrs Midha, former Mayor of Ealing.
Many of those at the party were looking forward to the coach trip to Eastbourne the next day, organised by longstanding Heartlink member George Lafford.
Volunteers attend training on Cholesterol and Diet
25 Heartlink members and supporters took part in our latest training seminar on 25th July. The training, on ‘Cholesterol and diet’ was provided by Michaela Nuttall of ‘Learn with Nurses’, who is an expert trainer, a cardiac nurse and Chair of the Health Care Committee at Heart UK.
In a lively session, attendees learned about the different components that make up cholesterol and their impact on heart health. Despite many individuals’ cholesterol being influenced by inherited genetic factors, people can reduce their risk by modifying their lifestyle in terms of diet and exercise.
Michaela emphasised the importance of people having blood tests and being aware of their cholesterol numbers, to track them over time. She explained about the various medicines, such as statins, that can help improve these numbers. Later, she provided details of the foods and drinks which have a positive and negative impact on cholesterol levels. All attendees were given a British Heart Foundation book about healthy diet and two different booklets explaining the background to cholesterol.
The seminar was part of Heartlink's ongoing training offer to assist new (and existing) volunteers to understand key aspects of heart health so that they can become Community Health Champions and talk to and advise their own family, friends and community.
Further seminars on other key topics will be held in coming months – so please join us if you are interested.
Know your heart medications
Heartlink was privileged to get an informative and highly relevant presentation about common HEART MEDICATIONS from Dr Karagiannis at our July 4th Meeting. Despite it being Election Day, we had a great turnout of 50 members and supporters. Dr Karagiannis is a highly experienced Consultant Cardiologist at Hillingdon Hospital and at the Transplant Department, Harefield Hospital.
He explained in a very clear and easy to understand manner the difference between medications that extend our lifespan, and those that reduce symptoms and give us a better quality of life. He concentrated particularly on medications to address heart failure, those given after heart attacks and heart surgery, medications to tackle the high levels of cholesterol and those for irregular heartbeat and AF. He outlined the most common medications for each of these, their purpose and when they are used. In some cases cardiologists have to try different but similar medications on a patient to obtain the best result.
He then spent 45 minutes dealing with a lot of detailed questions from our members, who widely viewed the session as one of our best.
Our biggest and best event in 30 years
Over 300 members, supporters and friends enjoyed a fantastic evening celebrating Heartlink’s 30th Anniversary at the Blue Room, Harrow on the evening of Friday 17th May. The event underlined the development of Heartlink into one of the strongest and most effective Heart Support Groups in London and the UK.
We enjoyed an evening of good food, music, dancing and fundraising, plus inspiring speeches from our founder, trustees and key supporters.
The Heartlink organising team was led by Krishanjit Bajwa and our great thanks go to her and all those who helped her make it such a huge success. We also say a big thank you to Mahesh and his team at the Blue Room for hosting us so well and making the delicious food.
After a welcome from our MC for the evening, Tony Patti, we were served delicious starters and then heard from:
· Professor Jaspal Kooner, our founder and President
· Channi Singh, internationally famous Bhangra singer and our new Heart Health Ambassador.
· Councillor Mohinder Midha, who as Mayor of Ealing had raised major funds for our work.
· and Trustee Dr Harmandeep Singh.
TO SEE MANY MORE PHOTOS OF THE EVENT CLICK BELOW
Dr Amarjit Sethi (Trustee) was on hand to welcome guests and raise our profile amongst partners. A display on the large screen showed attendees scenes from Heartlink’s work and history. Our Trustees thanked key donors for funds they presented and pledged to us, and then Tony Patti, supported by long term friend of Heartlink, Steve Pound, ran a raffle for some great donated prizes, to raise more funds for us.
After more delicious food, the audience settled down to a couple of hours of unrestrained dancing and were treated to great live performances from Channi Singh and his daughter Mona.
We were joined for the evening by supporters, friends and key partners from across our area including:
· The Northwest London University Healthcare NHS Trust.
· Pingalwara Charitable Society
· Mael Gael Community Project.
· Ealing Gurdwara
· Shree Ram Mandir Southall.
· West London Asian Society
· NHS staff from Ealing Hospital Cardiology,
Hanwell Rehab Service and Hillingdon Hospital.
· Hounslow Multicultural Centre.
· Southall Lions.
· Howdens