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 gaps in the support the charity delivers.
“Mansi has already achieved so much in the short time she has been at CHSF, from providing positive communication with families on the ward by overcoming language barriers, to supporting the launch of a “Comfort and Prayer” pack which will be available to our Muslim families whilst in hospital.
“During a shadow day on the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) we met a family who had been admitted as an emergency from their local hospital.
“Mum is alone in Leeds while Dad is at home tending to other family commitments and responsibilities. From the initial greeting Mum stated that she does not speak English and speaks Urdu.
“Mansi also speaks Urdu and stepped in very quickly to communicate with Mum, introducing our service, the reason for our visit and the many ways we can help make the family feel comfortable and supported during their hospital admission.
“I stood back and watched this interaction and witnessed the colour flush back into Mum’s face as she smiled and relaxed in her chair whilst holding her little girl in her arms.
“A basic need for clear communication and positive human interaction during a distressing time was clearly invaluable to this Mum, who was a long way from home without family or familiarity. Through overcoming the language barrier we were able to give the right support at the right time, ensuring Mum felt heard and listened to.
“This is what we hope for the parents/carers and patients we support at CHSF, and with the help of our new Family Support Inclusion Worker we will deliver on our commitment to all families.”
Our new ‘Comfort and Prayer packs’ contain:
- A pocket prayer mat
- Prayer beads
- A Love and Dua card
- 2 sachets of Chai
We are excited to see where Mansi’s role will lead, and the outcomes Family Support will achieve as a team. Mansi will be looking at rolling out our Comfort & Prayer packs for other faiths too. Along with delivering support on the wards, Mansi will be meeting families to capture the voice of the patient and parent.
This will help us to shape the support CHSF offers, and plan Cardiac Cafes and events – bringing communities together through their shared and lived experiences.
Mansi said: “It’s an honour to celebrate cultures and promote diversity with CHSF. Inclusion begins with connection. I am passionate about walking alongside families on their journey to ensure they have the right support to thrive. I will work with my team to build bridges that strengthen families and communities.”
More about CHSF’s Family Support including who’s who in the team, resources for families and how to request support
Latest Family news and updates
Family Support Plans For 2024
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...
Relax & Recharge: Mindfulness Essentials for Heart Parents
At CHSF, 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. That's why Mindfulness Welcome Packs are now being given to families when they arrive on the children’s heart ward,...
Georgie shadows Lucy, Family Support Youth Worker
written by Georgie Abbott “Ready, Steady, Go, Hello” is a national programme our CHSF Family Support Worker, Lucy McMahon, has been telling me we are working towards implementing to help our young heart warriors as they navigate their cardiac care pathways. And...