GUCH PA Helpline 0800 854759

Want to talk, We're here to listen

Sometimes it is difficult to talk to people you know because you may fear being judged by them, upsetting or over-burdening them or that they may not understand what you are going through.

It is often helpful to talk to someone rather bottling things up. We provide a non-judgemental listening service.

Helpline Opening Hours

You can call anytime as we have an answer phone but to speak to a helpline operator please call at the following times:

  • Monday - 2pm - 5pm, then 7pm - 9.30pm
  • Tuesday - 6pm - 8.30pm
  • Thursday - 3pm - 6pm

Helpline Operators Required

  • Monday 11.00am - 3.00pm
  • Tuesday 11.00am - 3.00pm
  • Wednesday 3.00pm - 7.00pm
  • Friday 11.00am - 3.00pm

Please email volunteer@guch.org.uk, or call Helen or Pippa on 01473 252007 if you are available to help on a regular weekly basis.

What does the GUCH PA Helpline do?

  • Provide emotional support for people born with a heart condition or those close to them.
  • Provide a listening ear.
  • Provide informatio n and send you literature e.g. pregnancy, travel, lifestyle issues.
  • Provide you with details of GUCH PA's recognised GUCH Units
  • Refer you to another organisation where they may be more appropriate to meet your needs.

What does the helpline not do?

We will not judge you or your actions and we cannot tell you what to do, but we can talk through your options with you. We cannot provide medical advice as we are not trained to do this.

Who can call our helpline?

Young people and ad ults born with a heart condition and anyone close to them. For issues relating to children's heart conditions we can refer you to the appropriate organisations.

Who will answer my call?

Trained volunteers.

Will my call be confidential?

The GUCH PA helpline is a confidential service. We work within the guidelines provided by the Telephone Helplines Association and aim to provide a high quality service. All our helpline operators have had a Criminal Records Bureau check.

Can I write to the helpline service?

Written enquiries can be sent by post to:

Helpline
GUCH Patients Association
Saracen's House
25 St. Margaret's Green
Ipswich
IP4 2BN

We aim to reply to written enquiries within five days of receipt.

I would like to get in touch with others with a heart condition, is this possible?

Some people find it comforting and informative speaking to someone else with the same condition. GUCH PA provides subsidised weekend breaks for people with a heart condition to socialise and gain support. We have a small number of groups across the country and have a popular message board on our website.