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.

Support for families: August 2025

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

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...

Youth Voice: Joseph

Youth Voice: Joseph

"Hello, my name is Joseph, and I am a cardiac child. "I was born with my heart condition and what has really helped me throughout my cardiac journey is music. "At the age of five, I joined Wakefield Cathedral choir - most of the time just staring at the ceiling and...

Christmas Wreath Making

Christmas Wreath Making

Adult patients and parents are invited to CHSF’s Christmas Wreath Making When? Wednesday 10th December Where? Joseph's Well, Suite D14 [Google maps] Time: 1pm - 4pm Who? Adults with CHD and heart parentsJoin the CHSF team for a festive afternoon of wreath making! Meet...

Support for families: July 2025

Support for families: July 2025

“Nice to have a chat with a friendly face offering financial and moral support” - parent on the ward During the month of July... 20 referrals received for targeted Family Support 36 families engaged With 12 young people worked with and supported Financial support in...