Aims / What we do

The Children’s Heartbeat Trust is an independent charity that delivers emotional and practical support to parents and families of children with heart disease in Northern Ireland.

This support is delivered through the following methods.

Financial support for Clark Clinic at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children.

Clark Clinic is Northern Ireland’s only regional unit for children that need specialist treatment for heart conditions. The Children’s Heartbeat Trust helps fund top quality medical equipment, pioneering medical initiatives to ensure that children with heart disease in Northern Ireland receive the best care and treatment possible in a child-friendly and comfortable environment.

Provision of accommodation at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children.

Children’s Heartbeat Trust has built and maintains accommodation directly above Clark Clinic for parents to avail of as necessary when their child is being treated. This allows parents to stay at the hospital in comfortable surroundings, at what is often a traumatic time, both for the child and the parent. This accommodation is especially invaluable to parents who would otherwise have to travel long distances to and from the hospital.

Parental Support Groups throughout Northern Ireland.

Parent Support Groups are set up throughout the province to provide local support to parents and families of children with heart disease. Through regular meetings, parents have the opportunity to meet other parents who are experiencing similar issues and problems. These groups can provide support, guidance and information, and are the local face of the charity.

Research into heart disease in children

Children’s Heartbeat Trust aims to fund and support research into the causes and treatment of heart disease in children. This research will provide foundations for more effective diagnosis and treatment.

Parent Support and Information Networks.

Parent Support and Information Networks provide up to date and accurate medical information for parents to access and interact with. These networks are delivered in a number of ways; via website forums, parent support groups, Children’s Heartbeat Trust magazine and a series of information evenings held throughout Northern Ireland on topics relating to heart disease in children.