Communities across Cumnock, Doon Valley and Upper Nithsdale are being urged to have their say on a new strategy to help people living with a chest or heart condition or the effects of a stroke.

Charity Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland (CHSS) have launched their first Lived Experience Survey and they want to hear from anyone affected by a stroke, chest or heart condition and their families and friends.

Responses to the survey will help shape the charity’s new strategy – No Life Half Lived – and they have been backed by Labour MSP Colin Smyth.

Katherine Byrne, policy manager for CHSS, said: “One in five people in Scotland are living with chest or heart conditions, or have had a stroke. The survey seeks the views of those who have been personally affected by these conditions, and CHSS wants to know how has their life changed, what matters most to them, and what help and support has made the most difference.

“CHSS will use the results to shape their services and support, as well as highlighting the key issues in their future campaigns. They recently launched a new strategy, No Life Half Lived, which aims to see them becoming the voice of the 1 million people living with these health conditions.

“To have your voice heard and to take part in the first survey of its kind please visit www.chss.org.uk/surveys”

The survey is live until July 31.

South Scotland MSP Mr Smyth added: “Across South Scotland, thousands of people every year suffer a stroke or are diagnosed with a chest or heart condition. I would urge anyone who is living with such a condition or their family or friends to take part in this survey which ends this month.

“CHSS carry out crucial work across South Scotland, from training healthcare professionals to providing rehabilitation services, and this new strategy is aimed at building on the support provided to benefit more and more people in our area.”