Become a Friend of SCA UK
£24 a year, less than 50p a week
- Four issues of Phoenix, our quarterly digital magazine
- A printed copy of the inaugural edition in the post
- Your own Friends of SCA UK badge
- Direct support for thousands of survivors and co-survivors
Peer support built by survivors, for survivors
Recovering from a sudden cardiac arrest is unlike anything else. The physical effects — fatigue, memory problems, PTSD — are often invisible to people around you. The emotional weight can feel isolating, even when you’re surrounded by people who love you.
We understand, because we’ve been there.
Since 2015, SCAUK has connected survivors and co-survivors across the UK with peer support groups, trusted clinical information, and a community that genuinely gets it. Whether you’re three days or three years out from your arrest, there’s a place here for you.
We understand, because we’ve been there.
Since 2015, SCAUK has connected survivors and co-survivors across the UK with peer support groups, trusted clinical information, and a community that genuinely gets it. Whether you’re three days or three years out from your arrest, there’s a place here for you.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Most cardiac arrests happen at home, witnessed by a family member. A sudden cardiac arrest stops the heart without warning. Tens of thousands happen in the UK every year. Without immediate CPR and defibrillation, it’s fatal within minutes — but survival rates are rising. Recovery takes time, and it’s rarely linear. We have the information to help you understand what happened and what comes next.
Survivor
As a survivor, the effects of cardiac arrest often last long after you leave hospital — fatigue, memory problems, anxiety, PTSD, and changes to how you see yourself and the world. Recovery isn’t always visible to the people around you, and that isolation is real. Find peer support from people who’ve been exactly where you are, and information grounded in clinical evidence.
Co-Survivor
When someone you love survives a cardiac arrest, your life changes, too. Co-survivors often experience their own trauma, anxiety, and grief — while feeling pressure to hold everything together. Your experience matters and deserves proper support. Connect with other co-survivors who understand, and find resources written specifically for you.
Resuscitation Attempt
If you’ve been part of a resuscitation attempt, you may have questions about what happened. This experience can evoke many emotions; people often feel distressed or guilty for not doing more. If you played an active role, feel proud that you tried to save a life, though it can be traumatic for anyone involved.
Since 2015, SCA UK has:
- Supported thousands of survivors and co-survivors across the UK
- Built the world’s largest national cardiac arrest peer support community
- Published trusted information reviewed by cardiac clinicians
- Registered with the Charity Commission (no. 1200875)
- Contributed to UK and European guidelines
- Won an American Heart Association Award for International Collaboration
We’ve been where you are, and we’re here for every step of what comes next.
Latest Updates
The Forgotten Patients, One Year On: RescQ Part 2 with Dr Uzma Sajjad
RescQ, Essex’s cardiac arrest bystander support pilot, has finished year one. Dr Uzma Sajjad returns to the podcast to share what 300 co-survivors taught her about what rescuers actually need.
Life Without Limits 2027: Tickets Now Available for SCA UK’s National Conference
Tickets are now on sale for Life Without Limits, SCA UK’s national conference for cardiac arrest survivors and co-survivors. Saturday 15 May 2027, Leonardo Hotel and Conference Venue, Hinckley. Book early to get the early bird discount.
New podcast episode: The Girl Who Died at Christmas
Lucinda Dodd was 24 when she had a cardiac arrest in her sleep on Christmas Eve. On this week’s Life After Cardiac Arrest podcast, she talks about the version of recovery that nobody has written a leaflet for.
Help us be there for the next survivor
We are run entirely by volunteers, most of them survivors and co-survivors. Every donation helps us provide peer support, information and a community for people rebuilding their lives after cardiac arrest.
You can also become a Friend of SCA UK for just £24 a year and receive Phoenix, our member magazine, packed with survivor stories and community news.
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