Member Spotlight: Heart Failure Warriors NI
Heart Failure Warriors NI is a fast-growing charity offering vital support to people across Northern Ireland affected by heart failure — including pre- and post-transplant patients, Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) recipients, and their families and carers.
Since launching in 2023, the organisation has prioritised raising awareness of heart failure and supporting people through education and peer connection. Their work is grounded in lived experience and driven by a clear goal: to raise awareness, encourage early diagnosis, and help shape positive changes in healthcare policy and practice.
Through advocacy, education and peer support, Heart Failure Warriors NI connects patients, carers, and professionals to improve quality of life. Their initiatives also tackle the many challenges people face living with heart failure and its connected conditions.
What motivated you to join NICVA?
We joined the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action to connect with other grassroots organisations and learn from shared experience. As a rapidly growing new charity, we recognise that NICVA's support helps us navigate legal challenges and maintain good governance. Being part of this network also strengthens our collective voice to influence decision makers in Northern Ireland.
How have you benefited from NICVA membership?
NICVA supported us in revising our constitution as our organisation expanded - providing guidance, addressing our, and clarified legal terminology over several months of collaboration.
At NICVA's first annual conference, we connected with three companies - CiviCode, CopperSquare, and Enthuse - who have since supported our IT, social media, and fundraising efforts. We've also held training sessions with two of these companies at NICVA’s Belfast location.
Success stories
Collaboration in Cardiovascular Care – Stormont Event
In November 2024, Heart Failure Warriors NI hosted a landmark event at Stormont, bringing together MLAs, leading medical professionals, and patients to discuss critical issues surrounding heart failure services. Several heart health charities also participated, helping spark meaningful conversations about improving heart health outcomes. The event was a resounding success and gained media attention, highlighting its significance in addressing heart failure challenges within the community.
Royal Visit
During a royal visit to Banbridge on 21 March 2025, King Charles III met with local representatives, including Nicole McKelvie from Heart Failure Warriors NI. Nicole spoke with His Majesty about the charity’s work supporting patients, transplant recipients, caregivers, and families. The King is now the proud owner of one of our Heart Failure Warriors badges!
A UK First in Heart Failure Care
In May 2025, the Southern Health and Social Care Trust became the first in the UK to receive pre-accreditation as a Specialised Quality of Care Centre by the European Society of Cardiology. This prestigious recognition represents the gold standard in heart failure care as part of an international programme led by the Heart Failure Association.
Currently in the pre-certification phase, the Trust is finalising data collection that will confirm its position among a global network of centres and highlights the high quality of care provided by the heart failure service. Heart Failure Warriors NI is delighted to be part of this achievement, through continued patient advocacy and collaboration with their Health Care Professionals.
Launch of the Heart Failure Awareness Campaign
Also in May, Heart Failure Warriors NI, along with Global Heart Hub and the Heart Failure Patient Council, launched its 2025 awareness campaign: “Heart Failure and Connected Conditions – The Whole Story”
Heart failure affects over 60 million people globally, yet its full impact is often misunderstood. This year's campaign shines a spotlight on the crucial link between heart failure and connected conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, obesity, high blood pressure. These Interconnected conditions play a key role in the onset, progression, and management of heart failure and are integral to understanding the full impact of heart failure on patients’ lives.
Join us as we share The Whole Story of Heart Failure – raising global awareness, driving early detection, and championing better care for all.
How can people support you?
There are many ways to get involved and help make a difference:
Follow us on our social media
Share our mission, campaigns, and events to help raise awareness and grow our community.
- Facebook: Heart Failure Warriors NI
- Twitter: @HFWarriorsNI1
- Instagram: heartfailurewarriors
- LinkedIn: Heart Failure Warriors NI
Direct Donations
Contribute money directly to us using the donate button on our website. This can be a one-time donation or a recurring monthly contribution.
Fundraising Events:
Participate in or organise fundraising events such as charity runs, bake sales, or auctions to raise money for a cause you care about. We have a Fundraising button on our website that helps you set an event up and provides a link to share.
Spread the word
Tell others about our group and encourage them to attend our group meetings and events. We have groups that meet in each Trust area across Northern Ireland. Check out our social media pages and website for information: www.heartfailurewarriorsni.com
Know the signs
Watch out for the signs and symptoms in others as well as yourself and if in doubt, ask your doctor.
Heart Failure Warriors NI is showing what’s possible when lived experience meets passionate advocacy. From the halls of Stormont to community halls across Northern Ireland, they are building something powerful — and making sure no one faces heart failure alone.
Hubs
- membership
