For many people living with cardiomyopathy, it’s not just the physical symptoms that are difficult to manage; the emotional side can be just as challenging. Feelings of anxiety, low mood, fear, and uncertainty are incredibly common, yet access to specialist psychological support is often limited.
That’s why we created the Acceptance and Commitment Education (ACE) Programme, a unique course designed to help people with cardiomyopathy build confidence and resilience in managing the condition. Developed in partnership with people with lived experience and led by Principal Health Psychologist Dr Louise Roper, ACE combines mindfulness, self-compassion, and practical coping strategies in a safe, supportive environment.
Originally launched as a six-week online group course, ACE has already supported more than 40 people across four cohorts. Participants meet weekly for 60-minute sessions, guided by two trained facilitators. The course covers key topics such as managing fatigue, understanding emotions, coping with loss, and identifying personal values that help people live meaningfully despite their diagnosis.
The results have been remarkable. Independent evaluation has shown a large and meaningful drop in anxiety, a moderate to large reduction in depression, and a very large drop in cardiac-related anxiety.
In fact, 83% of participants reported improvements in anxiety and depression, and every participant said the programme helped them address the psychological impact of living with cardiomyopathy.
“It’s a small, friendly group where you realise you’re not alone,” one participant said. “I feel more hopeful about living with cardiomyopathy.”
Building on this success, we’re now developing a new eLearning version of ACE, launching in early 2026. This will allow many more people to benefit from the programme without waiting for a place in a live group. The online version will include self-paced modules, videos, interactive exercises, and reflection tools, all designed to give people a strong foundation in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) skills.
Participants will then have the option to join live online groups to practise skills in real time and connect with others who understand their experiences. This blended model means people can choose the route that best suits their lifestyle, learning style, and health.
To stay up to date with the launch of the ACE eLearning programme, make sure you’re subscribed to our newsletter or visit www.cardiomyopathy.org.