This page will be updated regularly with the latest and most accurate information relating to your health and COVID-19.
We want to help you during this difficult time. Cardiomyopathy UK takes the health and emotional well-being of our community very seriously. This page will keep you up-to-date with the latest information and advice regarding COVID-19 and how Cardiomyopathy UK is able to support you.
We are working closely with our network of healthcare professionals to ensure that the specific impact of the pandemic and of COVID-19 on people with cardiomyopathy and myocarditis is understood. We are also coordinating our work with other charities and clinical organisations, as well as providing feedback to the government as the situation develops.
LAST UPDATE: 17/02/2021
Update on Shielding
The government has recently announced that more people are due to be added to the list of people in England who are being asked to shield. Previously the decision about whether someone should shield was based on specific conditions or treatments that a person has had that would make them very vulnerable to COVID-19. Cardiomyopathy on its own would not normally have put someone into the shielding category. The new approach looks at a combination of health factors and not just specific conditions and treatments. Other factors include age, ethnicity and weight are now being considered. As a result of this change in approach around 1.7 million people in England are now due to receive a letter from the NHS advising them to shield.
It is possible that people who have cardiomyopathy who had previously not been shielding may now find themselves being asked to do so. If you do receive a letter regarding shielding please ensure that you follow government advice which can be found here
With you wherever you are – our support services outreach
E-Support Groups
As you may know all our support groups that meet face to face have been temporarily suspended in accordance with current UK Government guidelines around social distancing, self-isolation and COVID-19. We are currently looking to develop these groups to take place online so all you will need is a PC / tablet with a webcam. To find out when your group will be meeting online keep an eye on our support group page https://bit.ly/2worLwv We will of course give you instructions on how to join the groups in advance.
Coffee and Catch Up
One of the most important aspects of maintaining good emotional well being when we are self-isolating is to talk to others and feel part of a community. We will be offering a series of Coffee and Catch Up online meet ups where people can come online as group with members of the charity’s services staff to have a chat and share how they are feeling and what they are finding helpful to maintain good well being whilst in isolation.
Some of our people have told us that they don’t want to talk about COVID-19 or cardiomyopathy, they just want to have a natter with other people who are in a similar situation. Dates, times and joining instructions for Coffee and Catch Up can be found here.
One to One
We understand that people are scared and are not sure what to do. We are here for you at the end of the phone. We will be checking in with those in our community who have asked for calls and if you would like to receive a call from one of our services team just to share concerns, and to feel more connected --