Tasmanians are being invited to help hand-make 1300 felt hearts to raise awareness for the number of people who die each year from cardiovascular disease (CVD), all while having a healthy conversation about their own wellbeing.
The 1300 Hearts project is being run by Tasmanian not-for-profit St Lukes through its wellness hubs in Launceston and Hobart, and at Agfest. In partnership with 1000 Hearts – an evidence-based Tasmanian social enterprise with global reach – the handmade pocket hearts are used for outreach, connection and resilience-building for people who are struggling with their physical or mental health.
St Lukes Health Navigator Nicole Grose said the initiative was the perfect fit for the organisation’s health navigation service, which was designed to support community members as they navigate the healthcare system – and their own health journeys.
“We know finding your way through the health system can be tricky, and many people want to make lifestyle changes to keep themselves well but simply don’t know where to start,” Ms Grose said.
“We help empower everyone, not just St Lukes members, to take control of their own health and wellbeing.
“When people come in to make a heart or two, they can also chat with a St Lukes health navigator about some of their health issues, ask questions and get advice on services available to them.
“At the same time, we’ll be raising awareness of CVD, and then donating the hearts to Tasmanian hospitals to provide a small comfort and support to patients and their families.”
Tasmania has a higher prevalence of CVD compared to the national average, with a 13 per cent higher incidence. This is partly due to higher rates of risk factors such as obesity, smoking, and high blood pressure.
St Lukes Head of Customer Service Kate Denmen said the 1300 hearts project was a novel way of raising awareness about the risks of CVD, and the steps people can take to avoid it.
“Our wellness hubs and health navigation service have been designed to make the health journey of every Tasmanian that little bit easier,” Mrs Denmen said.
“On top of the 1300 people who die of CVD each year, there are more than 30,000 Tasmanians living with debilitating effects of heart disease or stroke – but it doesn’t need to be this way.
“Many of the symptoms and risks of heart disease can be lessened or even reversed by a change in lifestyle. This focus on prevention is all part of our vision to make Tasmania the healthiest island on the planet.”
Founder of the original 1000 Hearts initiative, Sarah De Jonge, said she was thrilled to work with St Lukes to raise CVD awareness and action.
“Our initial concept was about spreading kindness, reducing isolation, and letting people know that no matter what they’re going through, someone cares,” Ms De Jonge said.
“1300 hearts is the perfect way to incorporate 1000 Hearts’ mission into St Lukes’ work, because it creates community connection in sewing the hearts, supports those already suffering from this chronic illness, and motivates us to show self-care and look after ourselves and our health.”
People can join the 1300 Hearts project at St Lukes’ wellness hub in Hobart on May 5th from 1.30pm-4.30pm, and in Launceston on May 7th, from 2-4pm, or at the St Lukes Agfest stand 601-603 from May 1-3.
ENDS