Support for families: August 2026

“I really appriciate you and your team. Your kind work helped us when we were in hospital. You showed us so much kindness”
— heart mum

During the month of August…

• 41 families worked with overall

• 21 families received a tailored packaged of Family Support

• 18 families engaged with

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• 7 young people and their families worked with and supported

• 9 Travel Grants given
• 7 attended Cardiac Cafe
• 26 Supermarket Vouchers given

Youth Day

This month, we welcomed five young people with congenital heart disease to our summer Youth Event at Catch Farm in Harehills Leeds – for a day of connection, fun and trying something completely new.

Together, we swept up goat poo, held guinea pigs, stepped outside our comfort zones and learned new things. And, of course, we got to meet the alpacas!

The young people told us:

“Today was really fun.”

“I liked holding the guinea pigs. We don’t have pets, so that was great.”

“Meeting the other girls and the team was the best part.”

“I liked lunchtime.”

While these moments might seem simple, they can have a huge impact. For young people living with congenital heart disease (CHD), events like this are a chance to realise they are not alone. They can meet others who understand what it is like to live with a heart condition, build friendships and create positive memories together.

Just as importantly, it gives them the opportunity to meet the CHSF and hospital team outside of a medical environment.

It gives our young people the confidence to try something new, the opportunity to connect with others and a space where they can simply be themselves.

Cardiac Cafes in the community and in hospital!

In August, we hosted three Cardiac Cafés – two in hospital and one in Scarborough – and we were delighted to see such a fantastic turnout at each one.

Scarborough

Our community café in Scarborough brought together 11 families, creating a relaxed space where families could connect over a brew and a pastry. For children living with congenital heart disease, it was an opportunity to meet other heart warriors and play together.

For siblings, the café offered the chance to meet other brothers and sisters who simply ‘get it’ without having to explain their experiences, or why life can sometimes be different.

We were also joined at this cafe by an adult heart warrior and his family, which was a particular highlight. Seeing an adult living well with CHD offers families hope for the future and a real-life reminder that a heart condition does not have to define what is possible.

Hospital

Our inpatient Cardiac Cafes provide a different, but equally important kind of support. Being in hospital can be overwhelming and families can spend long periods on the wards with little opportunity to step away from the intensity of their situation.

The two cafes in the hospital this month gave families a chance to leave the ward, take a breath and simply be themselves. Over a cup of tea, they can talk openly, share their experiences and reflect on their journey without judgement – surrounded by other families who understand because they are going through something similar.

These moments of connection can make a huge difference. Cardiac Cafés remind families that they are not alone. They create a community where experiences can be shared, friendships can begin and families can find reassurance from people who truly understand.

Sometimes, the value is in the simplest things – a cup of tea, a conversation and someone saying, ‘We hear you.’ CHSF Cardiac Cafes give families a safe space to feel understood and supported.

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.