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 lead the Family Support team at CHSF. 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 & YOUTH SUPPORT WORKER
“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”.
MANSI DASS
FAMILY SUPPORT INCLUSION WORKER
“My focus is on ensuring the support CHSF provides to children and families is accessible to all. We are dedicated to making everyone within our region living with CHD feel included in all we do.”
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.
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...
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 & Youth Support Worker
07933 185146
lucy.mcmahon@chsf.org.uk
You can also email familysupportteam@chsf.org.uk or call 0113 831 4810
CHSF’s Family Support Service is supported by
