THE breadth of support available through a group dedicated to helping Wyre Forest people with heart problems is being showcased during a week highlighting the issue.

Take Heart - The Wyre Forest Heart Support Group, is urging anyone in the district who has been diagnosed with a heart problem, to join up.

The group is affiliated to the British Heart Foundation and provides support for patients and their relatives or carers with meetings to offer mutual support.

Its committee is made up of five heart patients, Kidderminster Hospital's cardiac rehabilitation specialist nurse and three partners of heart patients.

The group is taking the opportunity presented by the BHF's - British Heart Foundation's - Heart Week, beginning on Saturday and running until Sunday, June 13, to highlight its activities.

Members meet on the second Monday of each month at the Briars Hotel, Habberley Road, Kidderminster, at 7.30pm.

Events lined up for the coming months include A Light Hearted Look at the Work of the British Heart Foundation, presented by Donna Stokes, local area organiser of the BHF, on June 13.

Anyone who wants to know what to do if someone collapsed in their presence can find out more by attending a session titled Heart Start, on August 9.

Another initiative is Stride and Stroll Walks, held every Saturday morning at venues throughout north Worcestershire. Among them is the Wyre Forest, where members of Take Heart can improve their fitness while taking in some scenic woodland views.

Trained walk leaders accompany groups of varying abilities, with one leading and another bringing up the rear with the slowest walker. Information on the walks programme is available on 0870 740 3851.

Cardiac Services at Kidderminster Hospital provides information, advice and support to patients who have had a heart attack or undergone heart surgery and their relatives.

Following their recovery from heart attacks or surgery, patients are encouraged to attend exercise programmes over a three-month period, hopefully enabling them to return to at least their previous level of activity.

Many patients become fitter than they were before their heart problems.