Overview

The Children’s Heartbeat Trust aims to provide effective support to families of children with heart disease in a variety of practical ways.

There are over 15 local groups spread throughout Northern Ireland, including one province-wide Special Needs group. These groups are set up to provide you with a contact in your local area. All the group organisers are parents who have had a child with a heart complaint and are happy to have a chat or a coffee with other parents who may need support or simply just someone to listen.

Local Groups

Area Group Organiser Contact Details

Antrim Katie Boyd 078 1119 3255
Michelle Kirkpatrick 079 2993 7931
Bangor Maria Kennedy 0289147 3632
Belfast Jennie Wharry 078 7670 2524
Jean Hill 079 4714 1682
Coleraine Ann-Marie McGaughan 077 4826 7192
Marion Best 077 9689 1229
Craigavon Petra Mostkovaruddy 07595902089
Cookstown Joe & Leona Lawless 028 8676 5592
Enniskillen Jennifer Keys 077 4506 8571
Londonderry Claire Ball 078 1762 0831
Lurgan Mary Gowdy 028 9265 1086
Magherafelt Ellen Madden 028 7965 0497
Portadown & Armagh David & Gillian Bingham 028 3755 1243
Omagh Chris Kennedy 077 5111 8563
Strabane Hayley Devine 077 0651 1028
Special Needs David McCann 028 9086 1803

There are also caravans available for families to use in Newcastle and Ballycastle. Look under Services for information on how to book a week or weekend.

Information evenings are also held in each area. These information evenings involve specialist speakers talking about issues related to heart disease in children and young people, and provide an opportunity to meet other families too