Acceptance and Commitment Education (ACE)
ACE is a supportive online group programme designed to help you take meaningful steps towards better mental health and wellbeing while living with cardiomyopathy.
ACE is based on Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) — a simple, practical approach that supports people with long-term conditions. ACT focuses on three key skills:
- Mindfulness – staying present, even when things are hard
- Acceptance – making space for tough thoughts and feelings
Values-led living – doing more of what really matters to you
So what is ‘Acceptance’?
It means allowing difficult thoughts and emotions to be there, without letting them take over. Noticing them, naming them, and giving yourself space to focus on what matters.
...And ‘Commitment’?
It’s about moving towards what you care about — the people, values, and activities that bring meaning to your life. Even tiny steps can help build a sense of purpose and hope.
ACE is here to help you live more fully — even when things are challenging.
Want to know more? Download the 'More about ACE' resource below, or watch our presentations on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy:
ACT for Cardiomyopathy; Dr Louise Roper - https://youtu.be/4jGnBkPlSVU?feature=shared
The Psychology of Cardiomyopathy; Dr Anne-Marie Doyle – https://youtu.be/E6k5CbehWUU?feature=shared
Psychological Impact; ACT for Carers and Supporters; Dr Anne-Marie Doyle - https://youtu.be/aevuVKcpNto?feature=shared
Apply to join the waiting list
Email: services@cardiomyopathy.org with the subject line ‘Ask about ACE’.
Other types of support
In many parts of England, you can refer yourself to IAPT services, and in some areas IAPT services specifically for people with long-term conditions are available. It can be helpful for people with long-term conditions, especially if they are having difficulty managing the emotional impact of their condition to seek support. There are different types of counselling and psychological therapies which offer different approaches. What is suitable for you will depend on what you want to get out of counselling.
- Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services - Read more about IAPT services and how to find them from NHS Choices (opens new window).
- Psychological therapy run by trained counsellors.
- Counselling, either funded by the NHS or private
- Self Management Courses. Take a look on your local Council’s website.
- Through your GP
- Community mental health services
Although not available everywhere, Clinical Health Psychology may be available. This is provided by psychologists who have specialist knowledge of physical health problems, such as heart conditions. Ask your cardiologist, specialist nurse or GP if this is available in your area.
Much of the content below has come from people sharing their ideas and experiences about what helps them. Please note that some of the links below are non-UK resources and so information on services may differ to what is available in the UK. All external links open in a new window.
Websites
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BeMindful - a website about mindfulness from the Mental health Foundation, including online learning.
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Breathworks - information about mindfulness, including mindfulness-based pain management. The website includes a three-minute breathing space meditation.
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Free Mindfulness - downloadable meditation exercises.
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Happier - a website that focuses on gratitude and wellness, with free online courses and an online community. The Happier app includes a gratitude journal.
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New Economics Foundation - information about the five factors associated with well-being.
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NHS Choices - has information about meditation and mindfulness. Search ‘meditation’ or ‘mindfulness’.
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TedTalks – TED (technology, entertainment and design) has a huge range of presentations from a variety of speakers, including inspirational authors such as Brené Brown and innovators such as Steve Jobs. You can search for topics such as ‘health’, ‘stress’ or ‘mindfulness’.
Books
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Facing the storm by Ray Owen.
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Headspace guide to Mindfulness and Meditation by Andy Puddicome (the founder of ‘Headspace’ app) available as a printed and kindle book, and audio book from Audible.
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Living through grief by Harold Bauman.
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Living with the enemy - Coping with the stress of chronic illness using CBT, mindfulness and acceptance by Ray Owen.
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Mindfulness: A practical guide to finding peace in a frantic world by Mark Williams (co-developer of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy). The book also includes a free CD of short meditations. Available as a printed and kindle copy, and audio book from Audible.
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A Mindfulness Guide for the Frazzled by Ruby Wax (who did a masters in mindfulness- based cognitive therapy). Available as a printed and kindle copy, and audio book from Audible.
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Sane New World: Taming the Mind by Ruby Wax (who did a Masters in mindfulness- based cognitive therapy). Available as a printed and kindle copy, and audio book from Audible.
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Audible – audio books available from Amazon (you will need an audible account and there is a cost for books). This is a good site for anyone who prefers listening to, rather than reading, books. There are lots of books if you search for ‘mindfulness’, ‘breathing’ or ‘meditation’. Audible allows you to listen to samples from books before buying, and you can return a book if you do not enjoy it.
Apps
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Buddhify app - this is a meditation app, offering custom-made meditations for mindfulness. There is a one-off cost of £2 – £5 to download this app, depending on your device. Search your device app store for ‘Buddhify’.
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Happier - the app includes a gratitude journal. Search your device app store for 'Happier'.
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Headspace mindfulness app - this meditation and mindfulness app is available from Headspace. It is free to download but there is a cost for some of the content. Search your device app store for ‘Headspace’.
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Insight Timer app - this app offers over 6,000 free guided meditations, and is free to download. Search your device app store for ‘Insight Timer’.
Useful organisations
- British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy - a professional body that sets standards for counselling and psychological therapies in the UK. It has information on the website and details of registered qualified counsellors.
- Mind - provides information about mental health conditions and advice, advocacy and support services. Local Mind services provide drop-in centres, counselling and befriending services.
- Mental Health First Aid England - provides mental health awareness training to a variety of organisations, businesses and communities, and aims to increase the population’s mental health literacy and reduce the stigma around mental ill health.
- Mental Health Foundation - provides information on mental health and tips for looking after your mental health. They also focus on preventing mental health problems.
- NHS Choices - provides information on various aspects of mental health services.
- Rethink Mental Illness - provides information and advice on mental health problems, practical, legal and welfare issues, as well as services and support groups.
- Samaritans - runs a Freephone helpline. Although known as a service for people who feel suicidal, Samaritans are there for anyone who wants to talk.
- Young Minds - for children and young people. Has information about mental health and services, including children and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS).
Thank you to everyone who has shared their ideas and experiences.
