Depression and anxiety are more common among young people with cardiovascular disease and can worsen physical outcomes. Many patients report being unable to access support after a diagnosis.

Wessex Heartbeat recognises that amongst patients with congenital heart disease and their families, there is a need to address psychological health and we are delighted that recently we have started to fund a Cardiac Youth Worker in support of the patients' psychological needs.

This will be a dedicated service within Cardiac, with funding of £26,000 for an initial 12 months. This will be supporting young people aged 11-25 years, a time we know for all young people living with a long-term health condition is particularly challenging, especially for those with congenital heart disease.