Support for families: April 2026

“Thank u for remembering me. I can imagine u meet lots of families“
— heart mum, during a ‘touching base’ call

During the month of March…

• 63 families worked with overall

• 25 families received a tailored packaged of Family Support

• 38 families engaged with

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• 16 young people and their families worked with and supported

• 5 Travel Grants given
• 10 attended Cardiac Cafe
• 21 Supermarket Vouchers given
• 0 Exceptional Grants given

Moments this month

There for the ‘firsts’
“We have a 4-month-old who has been in hospital since birth. Like many of our newest heart warriors we watch them grow and develop, we are there to see their firsts and share the small wins with families.

“This particular baby is developing to be very nosey and has started exploring his environment as Mum holds him in her arms which is something she wasn’t able to do for such a long time. Knowing the family and recognising how much he is starting to explore we were able to wheel in the L51 Sensory Trolley (funded by CHSF) – this is something Mum had never used before.

“On seeing how happy both Mum and Baby were as he watched himself in the mirror whilst looking at the lights, we knew this gesture of understanding their needs had created a lasting first for them and a small win we were able to share together.” – Lu, Family & Youth Support Worker

Including the whole family
“When a newborn was rushed to Leeds as an emergency admission, we were there immediately for the family to offer the practical support needed, however it is the relationship we have built that has enabled Mum to feel safe, voice her needs and feel connected to CHSF.

“The family is of Muslim faith, and this is something that is so very important to her especially now her son is critically ill. We have prioritised respecting Mum’s religious beliefs, talking about this with her, asking questions and taking time to understand the importance of it. Her family are also very present and supportive, and again we take the time to greet them, ask how they are and make them feel included.

“We go the extra mile to make each family feel like they are the most important thing to us in that moment, and we can’t possibly put a cost on valuing another person and what this means to them as an individual.” – Sarah, Head of Family Support

Family Support on the Road
Sheffield Cardiac Cafe

This month the team went to Sheffield for our fourth cardiac café of the year. Four families (10 people) attended and shared their journey and experiences. Over cups of tea families were able to make connections and hear about what helped them through their journey. For some it was fundraising, for other it was music and sometimes, it was simply being with their family.

The Family Support team were able to connect with families and provide support and referrals after the event.

How is Family Support making a tangible difference to families?

Visiting siblings and cousins

In April we have seen many families visiting the ward over the Easter holidays and on sunny afternoons. We have been able to keep siblings and visiting cousins entertained with packs of crafts, Lego and ‘Super Sibling’/’Super Cousin’ certificates. These make the children who aren’t the patient feel seen and valued by CHSF.

Young adults on the ward

This month the team have been supporting long-term inpatients on the wards. This has included a craft session, organising a much appreciated Bubble Tea treat, and working closely with the team of Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust youth workers to engage young people and encourage them to attend Youth Club.

Heart families in community

This month saw the launch of the Family Support ‘Touching Base’ model where the team follow-up with families after they have been discharged. This is to check in with families and see if they need any more support from CHSF.

From these calls the Family Support team have supported families with finding food banks, signposting for housing support, connecting families with their local family hubs and simply just having a chat.

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.