“You have been wonderful, please keep up the outstanding work” – heart mum
During the month of September…
-
7 referrals received for targeted Family Support
-
7 families engaged with
-
6 young people and their families worked with and supported
Financial support in September…
-
6 new families received travel grants
-
1 wellbeing grant given
-
1 external grant given
- 27 Tesco vouchers given
Comfort & Prayer
This month, we launched our ‘Comfort & Care Pack‘, which includes:
- Prayer beads
- A prayer mat
- Two chai sachets
- Positive dua cards
We introduced the first pack to a lovely family just one day before the surgery. Our goal is to make our support more culturally inclusive, ensuring that all families feel respected, cared for, and supported throughout their inpatient journey.
We have also added a Halal Box to the wellbeing trolley to make it more welcoming. As the Family Support team, we introduced the Halal Hamper initiative to ensure that Muslim families feel included, respected, and confident that the snacks and drinks on the wellbeing trolley are fully inclusive, with no barriers to enjoying them.
“Thank you sooooooo much for them things that’s really good help in this difficult time. Much appreciated xx Especially lovely Chai Latte spiced tea! Thankinggg youuus” – Heart Mum
Florence
“Our daughter, Florence Dottie Bentley, was born on May 24th, 2025. Just weeks later she spent over 70 days in LGI and underwent open-heart surgery.
“Thanks to the incredible care she received, she’s now recovering wonderfully, and her heart function has returned to normal – a true testament to the dedication of those who looked after her.
“On behalf of myself, Kelly, and little Florence Dottie, we want to say a huge thank you. The support we received from emotional and practical help to financial assistance – made such a difference during an incredibly difficult time.
“It’s a ‘club’ no one ever wants to be part of, but your charity and staff carried us through with compassion, kindness, and unwavering support.” — heart dad Matt
Cardiac Cafe: Grimsby
This month the family support team headed down to Grimsby for our monthly Cardiac Café event.
Four people attended – including a family whose daughter was recently diagnosed and is preparing for surgery in November. This family had the opportunity to have an extended conversation with the Family Support team, allowing them to ask questions and share concerns. As a result, the team was able to connect them to their local cardiac nurse specialist for further support.
Another family who had raised money for CHSF also attended, and were eager to chat with Lauren and Olivia about all things fundraising – as well as discussing what to watch next on Netflix!
Although this was a smaller event than usual, it highlights the value of Family Support and the wider CHSF team being present in our families’ local communities, and the meaningful connections that come from it.
It’s only with the help of our incredible supporters that we can continue to be there for every family that needs us. Thank you.
Family Support Update: Inclusion in action
Mansi Dass joined Children’s Heart Surgery Fund as Family Inclusion Worker in late June. Here’s an update from CHSF’s Head of Family Support, Sarah Cherry on how Mansi is dedicating her time to promoting inclusion, celebrating cultures and raising awareness to bridge...
Support for families: August 2025
“The ability to listen when you’re going through a hard time. Kindness in providing accommodation and vouchers when your child is in PICU or HDU. Empathising with your emotions and being a friendly face. "The highlight for us was our child receiving a Katie bear and a...
Support for Heart Families on the Neonatal Unit
The neonatal unit (ward L43) cares for babies who need extra help after they are born. This includes babies born with heart disease, and we asked Advanced Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Jenny Naylor to describe how CHSF work with NHS staff to support patient’s families...