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Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke @nichestheartstroke.bsky.social · 1d

We are delighted to unveil our first respiratory Hall of Hope which has been created for Antrim Area Hospital!

Thanks to Debbie & Suzanne, the ward managers of A1 & A3 Respiratory wards in & Billy, Helen, Maggie and Mary for sharing their stories: https://nichs.org.uk/care-and-support/chest-support

Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke @nichestheartstroke.bsky.social · 2d

A small tick = a BIG impact ✅

Gift Aid raised £104K for NICHS last year — which could fund 48 six-week PREP stroke rehab programmes and help 575 people rebuild their lives.

If you’re a UK taxpayer, please tick the box - nichs.org.uk/how-you-can-help/gift-aid

#GiftAidAwarenessDay

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Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke @nichestheartstroke.bsky.social · 2d

Each day in NI, approx. 9 people will have a stroke. Would you know what to do if it happened to you or someone you know?

Knowing the signs, acting FAST, and raising awareness can save lives.

Remember to Act FAST:
FACE
ARMS
SPEECH
TIME

For more info: www.nichs.org.uk/fast

Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke @nichestheartstroke.bsky.social · 3d

Know your units! Are you taking part in Sober October?

Keeping track of alcohol units helps you stay within the recommended limits and protects your health. Did you know 14 units per week is the UK guideline for both men and women?

Visit nichs.org.uk/alcohol for more info

Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke @nichestheartstroke.bsky.social · 4d

We attended the SDLP Party Conference at the weekend - it was a great opportunity to connect with party members on chest, heart, and stroke health issues like vaping and waiting lists. @sdlp.bsky.social

Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke @nichestheartstroke.bsky.social · 5d

#MondayMotivation reminder: real strength isn’t in pretending everything’s fine, it's showing up, even when it’s hard. If you're doing that, whether it's making positive changes to your health or taking steps forward on you recovery journey, be proud of yourself today!

Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke @nichestheartstroke.bsky.social · 6d

TIA (mini-stroke) is a warning sign of stroke.

Symptoms are the same as a stroke but are temporary & disappear within 24 hrs

ACT FAST
Facial drooping
Arm weakness
Slurred Speech
Time to call 999 immediately — even if symptoms pass.

www.nichs.org.uk/fast

Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke @nichestheartstroke.bsky.social · 8d

Reminder - Join us on 8th October in Enniskillen as broadcaster Donna Traynor interviews Professor Mahendra Varma OBE, celebrating his outstanding career in cardiac care.

Tickets £10, with proceeds supporting NICHS: https://ticketsource.co.uk/

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Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke @nichestheartstroke.bsky.social · 8d

We're Hiring!📣 Are you passionate about making a difference? We have some exciting opportunities available to join our Health Promotion team!

📅 Apply by 12 noon on Friday 17th October 2025.

For more information and to apply, go to www.nichs.org.uk/careers

Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke @nichestheartstroke.bsky.social · 9d

A special Thank You Thursday shout out to all our supporters who took part in last weekend’s Belfast City Half Marathon! We had over 30 people run in aid of our charity and we had our cheer station set up just outside the office to show our support and appreciation to the runners!

Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke @nichestheartstroke.bsky.social · 9d

We support the introduction of Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) for alcohol. The NI Assembly looks set to introduce MUP – but we want to hear what you think. Please complete our 5 minute survey to tell us your views.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MUP25

Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke @nichestheartstroke.bsky.social · 9d

Over 42,000 people in NI are living with the effects of a stroke or TIA (mini-stroke)
Behind that number are families, friends, and neighbours coping every day.

Knowing the symptoms can save a life.

Act FAST
Face
Arms
Speech
Time

For more info: www.nichs.org.uk/fast

Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke @nichestheartstroke.bsky.social · 10d

Have you ever taken part in research? Or maybe you'd like to but haven’t had the chance?

Help shape how public involvement is done in health & social care research across Northern Ireland.

Share your thoughts: https://forms.office.com/e/ddVA9qL9fG

Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke @nichestheartstroke.bsky.social · 11d

☕ On the go? Grabbing your morning coffee? Make it a Frank and Honest!

From International Coffee Day (Wed 1st Oct) until Sat 4th Oct, every Frank and Honest coffee bought in participating MACE NI stores will donate 50p to NICHS ❤️

Help us raise a latte funds and “espresso” you care this week!

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Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke @nichestheartstroke.bsky.social · 12d

It's World Heart Day and if you need support, we're here for you. ❤️

Whether you’ve just been diagnosed with a heart condition, or have experienced a heart attack, our dedicated team will provide advice and support

➡️ Visit www.nichs.org.uk/referral
☎️ Call 028 9032 0184

Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke @nichestheartstroke.bsky.social · 12d

John Meikleham is sharing his story this World Heart Day - he was on his way to work at the cardiac surgical unit in Belfast, when he had a heart attack aged just 46. He went on to live with heart failure, LVAD support, and a heart transplant.

https://ow.ly/BhUh50X3xIb

Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke @nichestheartstroke.bsky.social · 13d

Tomorrow is World Heart Day. Do you know the key heart symptoms to look out for? ❤️

Share this with your family and friends to raise awareness!

Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke @nichestheartstroke.bsky.social · 14d

Have you signed up for our Fright Night Firewalk yet? 🔥

Dare to brave the flames this Halloween all in support of people living with chest, heart and stroke conditions across NI ❤️

Halloween costumes are very welcome👻

https://nichs.org.uk/get-involved/fundraising-events/firewalk-challenge-25

Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke @nichestheartstroke.bsky.social · 15d

At just 30, Ulster & Ireland rugby legend Chris Henry suffered a TIA (mini-stroke) hours before an international game. He’s backing our campaign to remind everyone: stroke can happen at any age. Act FAST.

https://ow.ly/WcYP50X2NOL

Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke @nichestheartstroke.bsky.social · 19d

Our Policy & Campaigning team, Neil Johnston and Conal Baxter, attended @duponline.bsky.social Party Conference on Saturday. It was a great opportunity to connect with MPS, MLAs & Council members and speak to them about chest, heart & stroke issues affecting constituents @grobinsondup.bsky.social

Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke @nichestheartstroke.bsky.social · 24d

Professor Mahendra Varma OBE, retired Consultant Cardiologist & Chairperson of our Governance Board, will be honoured at a special event on 8th October at the Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel, Enniskillen.

Tickets £10, with proceeds supporting NICHS - ticketsource.co.uk

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Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke @nichestheartstroke.bsky.social · Jul 23

Sunset hike in the Mournes? Let’s go. 🌄✨
Join us Sat 13 Sept for our Twilight Hearty Hike – gentle guided walk, stunning views, and all for a great cause.

Reg includes food, head torch, beanie + tee. No hiking experience needed.

Sign up: nichs.org.uk/get-involved...

Twilight Hearty Hike 2025

After some food at Meelmore Lodge we'll follow the route and climb Slieve Meelmore 680 m (2,230 ft) , taking in the spectacular views before reaching the summit to relax and watch the sun slip away in...

nichs.org.uk

Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke @nichestheartstroke.bsky.social · Jul 8

🍺 Men and women should not drink more than 14 units of alcohol each week

🗓️ and you should have several alcohol-free days each week.

Taking these smalls steps can make a big difference - your heart health will thank you. ❤️

Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke @nichestheartstroke.bsky.social · Jul 8

Guidelines from the UK Chief Medical Officer for the government state that there’s actually no safe level
of alcohol consumption.

However, if you do drink alcohol....

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Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke @nichestheartstroke.bsky.social · Jul 8

Did you know, drinking too much alcohol can lead to high blood pressure & atrial fibrillation which increase your risk of heart failure, heart attack and stroke?

This #AlcoholAwarenessWeek, we’re talking about the link between drinking & heart health 💔

So, how much can you drink safely?

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