Because of your fantastic fundraising, this year we have been able to appoint a dedicated support worker for our heart families. Everyone, meet Sarah Cherry!
Sarah will help our heart families to access services, provide practical support to families whilst being treated and will set up, promote and deliver lots of exciting activities for our families.
We’ll let Sarah tell you a bit about herself…
The Family Support Worker job role is a dream come true for me. Building a whole new service from scratch for such a worthwhile cause is extremely exciting!
Although during this current time it has had its setbacks, the dedication of the team here at Children’s Hear Surgery Fund has motivated me and given me the determination to adapt and overcome the barriers we are all facing due to COVID-19.
In the last two months I have met some truly amazing people, particularly the Children’s Cardiac Nurse Specialists and the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit ward staff who have so much passion for what they do. They have welcomed me onto their team and their wealth of knowledge and relationships with families have been a fantastic source of support to me already.
However the true motivation from this role comes from the families I have met so far. The strength I have witnessed from parents and patients is an inspiration and because of this I feel it is so important that this service is shaped by our families.
I would love to hear from heart families to learn about your experiences and listen to what support you would find useful during your time at the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit.
As Family Support Worker for CHSF I can offer support whilst families are in hospital such as:
- Family support grants to ease the financial struggles when staying in hospital
- 1-1 online wellbeing sessions – from online activities for children such as music sessions or I can be a listening ear for parents
- I will be delivering welcome packs to families from mid-December which will include essential items for a stay in hospital
- I am available to discuss the CHSF parent accommodation
- I can also support with those parenting struggles such as routines, behaviour and sleep.
This list is by no means extensive I will support our heart families in any way I can!
I can also offer support to families of CHD outpatients whether this be:
- Parenting strategies
- Links with schools
- 1-1 and group wellbeing sessions
- Holiday camp places
- Online activities and events
…or I can simply offer some time to have a chat and give advice where I am able!
Please feel free to contact me by text, telephone or email to have a chat about support, ask any questions or just to say hello 😊!
07929509227 | Sarah.cherry@chsf.org.uk
or add me on Facebook: facebook.com/sarah.chsf
Wishing you all a very merry and magical Christmas and a brighter 2021!! 😊