Thank you for your interest in our support group for adults with congenital heart conditions. There has already been an encouraging response via "snail mail". We are hoping that through the up grading of our website we will be able to reach more people who would benefit from this group, and share stories of our achievements.

We continue to ask for your patience as we take time to sort out the mechanics of establishing this group. Because of the size of New Zealand, the nature of the cardiac facilities and the position of our towns and cities, adults with congenital heart conditions are often geographically isolated from eachother and cardiac facilities. Considering this and the need to reduce the feelings of isolation and increase support, we need many members for ACHC to work effectively as a national group - so we invite people from all over New Zealand to respond and join this group.

Joining ACHC New Zealand at this stage costs nothing. We will be keeping you up to date with any events or information about the group. At a later stage we hope to have a 'regular' newsletter and more formal gatherings. We will email or wrte to members about developments and progress in the group. Please also tell us if you would also like to hear about Heart Children's events.

We encourage you to browse through our site. We would appreciate any contributions in the way of ideas, information to add to our website, or if someone volunteers to set up a social gathering - please contact us for support and information. (click on the links to email us.)

Beverly & Shelly

DISCLAIMER

This group is for support purposes. Non-professional medical information may be shared, however it is not a resource for medical advice. ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR GP AND/OR CARDIOLOGIST WITH YOUR QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS REGARDING YOUR HEALTH.

CONSIDERATIONS

There are personal issues that you need to think about before joining a support group. You will be hearing from and meeting others with similar conditions, some whose health may appear better than yours. Others will be less able than you. People's coping strategies differ immensely and their attitudes may conflict with yours. These are issues you will find when joining any group. However our hearts, and attitudes towards our hearts, abilities and needs can be very personal, so you need extra thought and consideration about these issues and each other.