Helping to remove the stress of money worries.

If you have a heart condition, it is possible that, at some time in your life, you may encounter financial difficulties. This can happen due to being unable to work, or because of the cost of care and support.

Often adult CHD patients have particular obstacles to overcome. For example, struggling at school following time off for surgery and recuperation, or being discriminated against at work.  

If you are in need of financial help, The Somerville Foundation has a range of funds to relieve the financial burden adult CHD patients may find themselves under.

All of our funds are available to UK residents only.

At The Somerville Foundation, we support you through life’s practical challenges and help you to live as normally as possible.

Available Funds

The Somerville Hardship Fund

Support may be needed for a variety of reasons. For bills to be paid while in hospital, to see you over a period when you have financial difficulties as a direct result of being unwell, or to assist with the purchase of an essential item which has gone wrong such as a fridge.

Criteria

Applicants must be CHD patients and provide proof in the form of a hospital letter or appointment card.

Proof of financial circumstances is also needed, such as benefits received (if relevant), bank statement, copy of bills, etc.

Request an application form or call 01473 252007 to apply.

Coaguchek Machine Fund

Do you have to visit the hospital to have your INR levels checked regularly?  Would being able to do this in the comfort of your own home be beneficial to you? If so, you may be able to apply for a grant to fund the purchase of your own machine.

Criteria

An application can only be made on behalf of an adult CHD patient who is in financial need. Support and training will be given.

To apply, contact your ACHD/GUCH Cardiologist or Cardiac Nurse Specialist.

With your help, we’ve helped fund new and improved treatments for congenital heart disease. we opened the UK’s first dedicated Congenital Heart Research Centre. we’ve organised receptions at the House of Lords and House of Commons, a film première, concerts, parachute jumps, marathon runs, annual sponsored walks and masquerade balls. we ensure that adult CHD patients enjoy access to every opportunity, are free from discrimination, and are fully supported throughout their lives. we’ve staged annual conferences, regional patient information days and workshops throughout the UK. we’ve published a range of leaflets for CHD patients on a wide-range of topics. we’ve launched a Freephone patient helpline to provide practical advice, a listening ear, and emotional reassurance at times of stress. we’ve created online networks where congenital heart patients can connect with each other. we successfully applied for a Comic Relief grant to help develop mental health support services. we’ve contributed to adult congenital heart disease nurse training days and taken part in various study days and conferences for medical and health professionals. we’ve established a benevolent fund for members who are in financial hardship. we’ve organised residential weekends and outward bound holidays for teenagers and adults, providing congenital heart patients with the opportunity to meet and gain support from each other.

Just think what else we could do if you donate, fundraise or volunteer for us.

FIND OUT HOW WE’RE HEALING BROKEN HEARTS