What kept the Caring Hearts Support Group (CHSG)
PULSE Issue 46 | January 2026
A volunteer initiative by patients for patients at NUHCS, this support group was launched with the vision to build an inspiring and caring heart patient support group that stays connected, while supporting fellow cardiaC patients and the community through each other’s journey to remain heart healthy.
Membership is open to heart patients who have completed the Basic Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme at NUHCS. For more information about CHSG or to join CHSG, please contact Magdalene Chia, Volunteer Lead, at [email protected].
It’s hard to believe how quickly the months have flown by. 2025 has been filled with meaningful milestones, enriching events, and valuable training opportunities — all rooted in our shared commitment to better health and compassionate care.
In July 2025, 17 of our members successfully completed the CPR + AED1 certification course — our highest participation yet. This strong turnout gives us confidence that more of our community is prepared to act swiftly in the face of cardiac emergencies, reinforcing the simple truth that every trained individual can make a life-saving difference.
As we strengthened our emergency response skills, we also deepened our understanding of heart health. In July, we attended The Heart Truth public symposium event by NUHCS, a series of talks that highlighted practical ways to stay heart-healthy. Sessions on ageing, safe exercise, and often silent conditions like Atrial Fibrillation2 reminded us of the value of early detection and the importance of simple, consistent lifestyle habits in preventing complications.
Eager to broaden our perspective, we also joined the 12th HTAsiaLink Conference 2025 in August, where regional leaders discussed how Health Technology Assessment (HTA)3 guides better healthcare decisions. The emphasis on collaboration and evidence-based evaluation gave us, as heart patients ourselves and an overall support group for fellow patients, a deeper appreciation of how new technologies are reviewed for safety, effectiveness, and value — insights that help us understand the broader system shaping patient care.
Driven by the same curiosity, we attended the talk “Is Heart Disease in Your Genes?” The session deepened our understanding of how inherited cardiac conditions can remain silent, renewing our commitment to raising cardiovascular awareness within our community.
Continuing our education beyond heart health, we turned our attention to dementia — an increasingly important concern in our ageing population. To better support those affected, a number of our members completed dementia care courses, with some even earning certifications. These efforts empower us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of iindividuals and families facing dementia.
We don’t just learn, we have fun too! Beyond being a support group, we are first and foremost friends, brought together by shared experiences and a genuine sense of belonging. In August, we marked Singapore’s 60th National Day with a heartfelt gathering made extra special by honouring members who also turned 60 this year! It was a time of music, reflection, and gratitude, as we celebrated not just a national milestone but also personal journeys of overcoming heart conditions and embracing life.
Building on these moments of introspection, we continued to nurture well-being through mindful and engaging activities. During World Heart Month in September, our members took part in an eco-friendly workshop. This hands-on session taught us how to repurpose used coffee grounds into natural body scrubs, promoting both self-care and sustainability. Our senior members especially enjoyed the activity, which beautifully combined wellness with environmental awareness.
We ended the season on a high note by taking part in the Singapore Prevention and Cardiac Rehabilitation Symposium (SPCRS) on 4 October. Our community delivered a spirited performance under the theme “Championing Heart Health Through Movement.” The warm response from the audience reaffirmed our belief in the power of connection, creativity, and shared purpose.
2025 has been a year of learning, connection, and steady progress. Through training, shared experiences, and community initiatives, we’ve continued to support one another in health and in life. As we look ahead, we remain committed to advancing heart health and strengthening our community.
Guided by the principle “Caring begins with me,” we will keep taking small, meaningful steps that create a kinder and healthier community for all.
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