2024 has brought a burst of energy and enthusiasm to Children’s Heart Surgery Fund’s (CHSF) Family Support Team.
Sarah, Family Support Supervisor, accompanied by Lucy, our Family Support/Youth Worker, have shared their plans for the upcoming year. As we embrace the new possibilities, the team is gearing up to make a lasting impact on the lives of local heart heroes and their families…
Support for expectant parents The Family Support team will now be introduced to expectant parents of mini heart warriors, in the hope that we can provide reassuring information about what they can expect when they come to Leeds. Everything from the support we offer, details about CHSF-funded accommodation, facilities available and signposting to get the right support at the right time. We will be here with a friendly listening ear for those who need it the most.
Return of Cardiac Café’s One of the most anticipated initiatives is the continuation of our ‘Cardiac Café’ events across multiple locations. These gatherings aim to create a supportive community across the whole cardiac journey, where families can come together, share their experiences, and get valuable signposting from the CHSF team. The Cardiac Café events will serve as a platform for families to connect, fostering a sense of solidarity in their journeys with paediatric cardiac care.
Wellbeing events on the wards Recognising the unique challenges faced by families staying in hospitals with their children, the Family Support Team is rolling out ‘Ward Wellbeing’ events. These special days on the wards will provide a holistic approach to wellness, offering not only nourishing food for parents but also craft packs for parents to offer a much-needed mindful distraction. The events will facilitate one-on-one interactions with the Family Support team, empowering parents to carve out time for themselves in the hospital environment. By providing healthy snacks and organising wellbeing activities, CHSF aims to ease the burden on families and create a supportive atmosphere within the hospital setting.
Events for young people The Family Support team is launching both online and in-person youth events. These events, designed to be non-medical and enjoyable, will provide a space for young individuals to connect, discover appropriate support, and have fun. Ranging from bowling outings to fundraising competitions and a Young Adult’s network, these events will contribute to building a strong and resilient community. By hosting activities both online and in person, CHSF aims to create a safe environment for heart heroes to share their experiences, fostering connections that extend beyond hospital walls.
The prospect of 2024 is brimming with excitement, as these initiatives promise to create a sense of positivity within the CHSF community.
- The Cardiac Café events will serve as anchors for families seeking connection
- Early support for expectant parents will create a sense of reassurance at the very beginning of their heart journey
- The Ward Wellbeing Events will be respite within hospital stays
- Youth Events will empower young heart heroes to forge lifelong connection with each other and the CHSF team.
The CHSF Family Support team has set the stage for an exciting year ahead. By addressing the unique needs of families and young heart heroes, these initiatives are a way of seeing our heart families over the year ahead.
As we embark on this journey, the sense of community, connection, and empowerment shines brightly, making 2024 a year to remember for the CHSF Family Support team and our heart heroes!
Find out more about the CHSF Family Support service, the help we can offer and get in touch with the team
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