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I felt alone, scared, broke and my mental health was fragile to say the least – until I discovered The Somerville Foundation. Through them I met people who shared my condition and from there, I had a network of people who understood me. Quite possibly that network and support have saved my life.” Adam

Thank you to everyone who donated to The Somerville Foundation’s Radio 4 Appeal, which raised an incredible £12,736. Roger Black MBE shared Izzy’s Story: one patient’s journey, having been born with heart disease (CHD), and her battle to take control of her mental health. After discovering she would need open heart surgery Izzy wrote, “The days were dark and I spent many of them counting down the hours until I could go to bed and cry. I’d wake up late to shorten the days and be in bed early to listen and count my heartbeat.”

Peer support is proven to be the most successful mechanism for improving patient mental health. Feedback from patients has shown that involvement in meet-up sessions has positively impacted their mental health and emotional well-being. Funds raised have already sponsored seminars where adults can meet to discuss managing the effects of ageing with a heart condition. Events like these also provide valuable feedback which informs our future work to ensure that no adult congenital heart patient needs to cope alone.  The appeal has also raised awareness amongst the medical community and in general of the impact of CHD on a patient’s mental health.

The money raised from the appeal will go a long way in helping those with congenital heart defects take control of their mental health, and get the most out of life, by:

• keeping our patient helpline service running
• organising events where those with CHD can meet
• providing dedicated mental health support
• supporting our annual conference for patients

To all the Radio 4 listeners who so generously donated – thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.

You can find out more about The Somerville Foundation by visiting our .