At Children’s Heart Surgery Fund, we know that caring for people with congenital heart disease involves more than treating just the heart itself. It is so much more than that.
CHSF’s Family Support service is available to all cardiac families of patients in our region with congenital heart disease.
We can offer a range of practical, wellbeing, financial and sign-posting support for our families.
If you are in need of some help, guidance or reassurance, fill in our ‘Request for support‘ form below and a member of the team will be touch.
Alternatively, you can find contact details for the team at the bottom of this page.
MEET OUR FAMILY SUPPORT TEAM
Sarah Cherry
HEAD OF FAMILY SUPPORT
“I have been with CHSF since Oct 2020 and have enjoyed every second. I feel lucky to work with such an amazing charity and have already met so many inspiring patients and families, which makes my role so worthwhile.”
“We offer a range of practical and wellbeing support so if you are ever in doubt of what we can help with please get in touch. I am always happy to have a chat and answer any questions you may have, so please ask away!”
LUCY MCMAHON
FAMILY SUPPORT WORKER/YOUTH WORKER
“Before joining CHSF in November 2023, I worked in a family support role within the hospital, working with patients and their families. I have also completed a Masters in Family Support, with a focus on supporting families who have a child with an illness.”
“I support our families going through treatment. From a chat and a brew to advice and practical help, this assistance is there at a time of distress and anxiety. I am here to support young people through their transition in care”.
We have a dedicated facebook group to connect those in our region affected by CHD .
Join and find thousands of heart parents and patients living with congenital heart disease ready to offer advice and support. A safe space to build relationships.
We understand the importance of being close to your child while they are in hospital.
We have accommodation in the hospital for parents, providing comfortable space to rest and recuperate during what can be a very stressful and emotional time.
Coming into hospital with your child for treatment can be daunting.
Watch our video where Sarah in our Family Support team shows us around some key areas of the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit including wards, family accommodation and facilities.
Cardiac Cafe’s are events in your local area where parents of young cardiac patients and adult congenital heart patients can meet.
You will alos have the opportunity to chat to the Family Support team, as well as professionals from Leeds and across the network.
You may be able to claim Disability Living Allowance if your child has a heart condition.
If you are looking after a child with a health condition or disability under 16, they may be entitled to a benefit called Disability Living Allowance or ‘DLA’.
Did you know, we have animations of some of the more common congenital heart conditions?
These animations funded by Children’s Heart Surgery Fund show the heart’s normal working function, and how it is affected by common congenital heart defects.
The next stage of CHSF support!
At CHSF we want to be with you as you take the next steps. Our Family Support/Youth Worker, Lu is here to listen and work with you as you navigate this time of change.
Meet CHSF Youth Worker Lu!
Meet Lu, our incredible Family Support/Youth Worker at Children’s Heart Surgery Fund! This 'International Youth Day', she tells us a bit more about her role at CHSF and the latest resource she's put together for our young people! “Hi! I’m Lu, the Family Support/Youth...
A Letter To Our VIP’s (very important parents)
Dear Very Important Parent,Over the past four years, I have witnessed you taking on so many roles as you have supported your child through hospital admissions. Not only are you ‘Mummy’ or ‘Daddy’, but you are also a caregiver, a nurse, a comfort blanket, countless...
Self-Care: Info for patients and families #StressAwarenessMonth
What is self-care? Self-care is more than just having a hot bath. Self-care refers to the things you can do to look after yourself and reduce stress.Why is it important? There are many benefits of self-care. It can help you to cope when things are tough and can help...
LEAVE US A MESSAGE
We always love to hear the positive impact of our family service and how you have been helped by the CHSF Family Support team. Leave your message for the team below.
Please note, this is not a request for support form. If you are in need of family support from CHSF please fill in our request for support form.
REQUEST FOR SUPPORT
CHSF’s Family Support service is available to all cardiac families and patients in our region with congenital heart disease. We can offer a range of practical, wellbeing, financial and sign-posting support to our families.
GET IN TOUCH
Sarah Cherry
Head of Family Support
07929 509227
sarah.cherry@chsf.org.uk
Lucy McMahon
Family Support Worker/Youth Worker
07933 185146
lucy.mcmahon@chsf.org.uk
You can also email familysupportteam@chsf.org.uk or call 0113 831 4810