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New! Private Facebook group for unpaid carers Our charity prides itself on being there for everyone affected by pulmonary hypertension, including those who care for a loved one with the condition. We have a thriving private Facebook group for patients and now we’ve set up a second group just for unpaid carers. It’s a safe space to chat to others, share advice and benefit from support and understanding - without judgment - from those on the same journey. Search PHA UK official carers group on Facebook to join. Living with a PH diagnosis yourself? Our original private Facebook group has over 1700 members and is a hive of support and advice based on lived experiences. Search Pulmonary Hypertension Association – official Facebook group to join. We take your privacy very seriously so both our private Facebook groups have a strict screening process to ensure those admitted to the group have genuine connections to PH.

Prestigious panel appointment for the PHA UK

We're delighted to have been accepted onto the European Lung Foundation (ELF) Patient Advisory Panel. This means we will be representing the voices of the UK pulmonary hypertension community on a European level – supporting the ELF in their mission to improve lung health and advance diagnosis, treatment and care. You can find about more about the ELF by visiting www.europeanlung.org

Post-vaccine smiles on social

It’s been great to see so many happy post-vaccine pics shared on social media over the last couple of months. Here are just a few of your smiley snaps, proudly taken following your COVID-19 jabs. Menfolk – we know you have had yours too, but you’re obviously more shy when it comes to the selfies ;-)

Remember to follow us... Facebook @PULHAUK Twitter @pha_uk Instagram @pha_uk_insta YouTube @PHA ORG UK

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21 in 2021

The PHA UK is celebrating a big milestone this year – our 21st birthday! A huge amount has changed since the inception of our charity back in the year 2000 and we’ll be marking our milestone over the next few months in various ways. There will be plenty of opportunities for you to get involved too. After all, we wouldn’t be here without the support of our members - all 4,500 of you! We’re looking forward to celebrating our coming of age with you.

Organ donation law changes in Scotland

The law around organ donation in Scotland has now changed to an ‘opt-out’ system, following in the footsteps of Wales and England. Under the new system, if all adults aged 16 years and over have not confirmed whether they want to be a donor, they will be considered to be willing to donate their organs and tissue when they die, unless they choose to opt out. The changes came into effect on 26th March. You can still choose whether or not you want to be an organ and tissue donor by registering your decision and telling your family. Your faith, beliefs and culture will always be respected. Find out more about the changes at www.organdonationscotland.org

The law on organ and tissue donation is changing

From 26 March 2021, Scotland will have an opt out system. Organ and tissue donation remains a personal decision and you have a choice. So please read this booklet carefully. It explains: • How the law is changing • How the law affects you • What choices you have • How to record your donation decision • What happens when someone becomes a donor

The law around organ and tissue donation is changing in Scotland

From 26th of March the law around organ and tissue donation is changing in Scotland. If you’re aged 16 or over, you will be considered as a possible donor when you die, unless you opt out. Whatever you decide, please let family and friends know your decision, so they can ensure it’s honoured. For more about the law change and your choices, visit organdonationscotland.org or call 0300 303 2094 0300 303 2094.

EmpPHAsis-not-quite-on-air-yet Like many things, the latest lockdown put a bit of a downer on our podcast launch plans. In the last issue of this magazine, we told you all about our new venture but not being able to get together stopped us recording new episodes to enable us to launch EmPHAsis on air properly. Rest assured the ones we’ve recorded will still be aired and we’ll be bringing you our new podcast as soon as we can.

#TogetherForPH April 21st marks National Tea Day so let’s get together for a virtual cuppa and chat. tea&talk together

The last year has been lonely for many, and we’ve all missed being with friends and family. A cup of tea has always been a good old British way of bringing people together and with technology making it easier to meet up at a distance, let’s make the most of the opportunity to connect. Maybe you haven’t spoken to a friend or family member for a while? Schedule a chat with a cuppa on 21st April and let’s get talking.

Fancy turning it into a fundraiser?

A tea & talk party is a brilliant way of raising some money for our charity with friends. Simply set up a chat using your favourite virtual platform, grab a drink, and ask your guests for an entry fee – whatever you and they can afford. Donations can be made via text, telephone, bank transfer, or online (see www.phauk.org for the full details.) Tea not your thing? Go continental with coffee or get glamorous with cocktails!

Perhaps you could even hold a COVID-secure tea and bake sale at work or school – depending on restrictions at the time, of course. Please contact us for PHA UK branded bunting, cake flags and price cards.

TOGETHER tea&talk&talk

Show off your favourite mug!

Take a selfie on National Tea Day 21st April and share it on social media with #TogetherForPH Could you donate the cost of a cuppa to help support our charity at the same time? Text TEATALK 2 to donate £2

Text TEATALK 5 to donate £5 Send your text to 70085.

Once you’ve posted your selfie and made your donation, why not tag a friend and ask them to do the same? We’ve also got a Facebook frame or you to add your profile pic for the day. Search for it on Facebook or find the link at www.phauk.org

The best free online platforms for your virtual tea & talk... Zoom (45-minute time limit on the free version) www.zoom.us Microsoft Teams www.microsoft. com/en-gb/ microsoft-teams WhatsApp (using its video function) Search via the app store on your mobile phone Facebook Messenger Search via the app store on your mobile phone