Meet Lu, our incredible Family & Support Worker at Children’s Heart Surgery Fund!
This ‘International Youth Day’, she tells us a bit more about her role at CHSF and the latest resource she’s put together for our young people!
“Hi! I’m Lu, the Family & Youth Support Worker for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund.
“My role is the bridge that connects our patients and their families across different stages of support from CHSF.
“My role is essential in ensuring that our young people continue to receive consistent, personalised support, especially as they move from paediatric care into the world of adult services.
“My function goes beyond the support on Ward L51 and covers multiple aspects.
“I am there to offer practical help, whether that’s providing toiletries and activities for young patients, or creating personalised and tailored support for a young person and their family.
“I have hosted both online and in-person Youth sessions, including one fantastic alpaca walking Cardiac Café. And I have also supported the Leeds Congenital Hearts team with their in-person and online transition events.
“When we set out to create the ‘Youth Hub’ on our website we had a clear vision: to provide young people and their families with a space where they could access the resources and support they need.
“From speaking to our young people, we understand that the transition from paediatric to adult services can be a significant adjustment, and we wanted to ensure that no family felt alone during this time.
“My goal is to offer a service that can signpost effectively and ensure young people can access the resources that are right for them.
“The Youth Hub is more than just a resource; it shows our commitment to providing ongoing care that addresses multiple aspects of young people’s lives, ensuring they feel supported every step of the way.”
You can get in touch with Lu via email for support, advice or signposting at lucy.mcmahon@chsf.org.uk or by phone/message at 07933 185146
Check out our brand new Youth Hub!
Resources, signposting and advice for young people with a heart condition in our region.
Youth Event: CATCH Day at the Farm
Join CHSF and CATCH Leeds for a day helping out at the farm and walking alpacas!When? Monday 10th August 2026 Where? CATCH, Hovingham Ave, Harehills, Leeds LS8 3QY [Google Maps] Time: 10am - 3pm Who? CHD Patients (aged 11+)Join the CHSF team for an exciting day at the...
Youth Event: Boxing For Wellbeing
Join Tommy Frank for a Boxing for Wellbeing sessionWhen? Wednesday 27th May 2026 Where? Titans Boxing, 157 Morland Road, Sheffield S14 1TE [Google Maps] Time: 10:30am - 1pm Who? CHD Patients (aged 12+)Join the CHSF team for a fab morning with CHSF Ambassador, heart...
Support for families: February 2026
During the month of February... 50 families worked with overall 26 families received a tailored packaged of Family Support 24 families engaged with -- 17 young people and their families worked with and supported 22 Travel Grants given 8 attended Cardiac Cafe 27...
Support for families: January 2026
During the month of January... 46 families worked with overall 28 families received a tailored packaged of Family Support 18 families engaged with -- 4 young people and their families worked with and supported 12 Travel Grants given 7 attended Cardiac Cafe 25...
Family Day at the Farm
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