Chest, Heart & Stroke

Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland aims to improve the quality of life for people in Scotland affected by chest, heart and stroke illness through medical research, advice and information, and support in the community.

CHSS is one of Scotland's leading medical charities. Coronary heart disease is our biggest killer. Stroke is the main cause of disability in the community, with more than 89,265 Scots affected. Chest illnesses of various kinds are the biggest single reason for using the health service.

We fund research into all aspects of the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and the social impact of chest, heart and stroke illness. Our current programme is worth more than £1 million.

CHSS provides care and support throughout Scotland for people affected by these conditions, including family and other carers.

Our main community service, the Volunteer Stroke Service (VSS), offers rehabilitation and support to over 1,200 people affected by stroke, particularly those with communication problems. More than 1,000 volunteers help operate the VSS locally.

The CHSS Advice Line offers confidential, professional advice from trained nurses on all aspects of chest, heart and stroke illness. This is backed up by booklets, factsheets and videos, available free to patients and carers.

CHSS health professional in different parts of Scotland provide specialist help advice and training to particular groups – for example people leaving hospital after a stroke (Fife, Grampian, Highland, Lanarkshire and Lothian) and or affected by chronic respiratory disease (Glasgow).

More than 100 local chest, heart and stroke clubs are affiliated to CHSS. We offer practical help and advice through the Community Support Network.

Our welfare grant programme provides direct financial help to patients and families affected by chest, heart and stroke illness. In Glasgow and Lanarkshire we also offer a specialist Benefits Advice Service.

To maintain and expand our vital work in research and community services, we rely almost entirely on the continuing generous support of the Scottish public, business and community organisations. Every pound we raise in Scotland is spent on research and services in Scotland.

Learn More