Your experience does not have to look like anyone else’s to belong here. RISE is for adults who want to understand more about their cardiac recovery or condition and connect with people who understand.
You are welcome at different stages of recovery
You may have recently left hospital, be waiting for cardiac rehabilitation, already be attending a programme or have completed it and want ongoing support.
RISE may be relevant if you have experienced:
- A heart attack.
- Coronary angioplasty or a stent, also called PCI.
- Coronary artery bypass surgery, also called CABG.
- Heart valve surgery or a valve procedure.
- Stable angina.
- Heart failure, where participation is appropriate for you.
- Another cardiac condition or procedure.
If you are unsure whether taking part is appropriate for your health circumstances, ask your healthcare team. You can contact RISE to understand what the programme and community involve.
You do not need to be confident in a group
You are welcome to listen before you speak. Sharing your story, joining discussions and using RISE Buddy are optional. You decide how much you share.
There are no exercise classes to keep up with and no fitness level you need to reach to take part in RISE’s education and conversations.
Where RISE fits in your recovery
Phase 1 — During your hospital stay
Your hospital team leads your care and discharge planning. RISE offers a source of education and connection to consider as you prepare for the next stage.
Phase 2 — Early recovery after discharge
RISE can help you understand the next steps, prepare questions for your healthcare team and connect with others while you wait for your cardiac rehabilitation programme.
Phase 3 — Your structured cardiac rehabilitation programme
RISE continues alongside your local service, offering general education and peer support. Your cardiac rehabilitation team remains responsible for your assessment and individual exercise guidance.
Phase 4 — Longer-term recovery and maintenance
RISE Together offers ongoing connection as you continue living with and managing your heart condition.
People often use “cardiac rehab” to mean the structured Phase 3 programme. This usually brings together exercise, education and support; the format varies between services. Learn more from the British Heart Foundation.
When RISE cannot provide the support you need
RISE is not suitable as a service for urgent symptoms, individual diagnosis, treatment decisions, medication changes, clinical monitoring or supervised exercise. It also does not provide one-to-one clinical assessments or crisis support.
If these are the services you need, contact the healthcare professional or service responsible for your care. You can still explore RISE for its separate role in education and peer support.
For the people supporting you
You may watch the educational presentations with someone who supports you. One named caregiver may attend Ask Nikki in a listen-only role. Private peer discussions are for registered participants only.
RISE Together also includes a separate Friends & Family space for supporters to connect with one another.