Meet Lu, our incredible Family Support/Youth 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 Support/Youth 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.
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...
The Story of Gracie Mae Rengger
Written by mum Jessica Gracie was born on the 30th September 2022, weighing 6lb 4oz and this is where our journey began... Within 72 hours of Gracie being born and spending time on NICU, we found out Gracie had Tetralogy of fallot, VSD and an ASD, which is all...
Our second stay in CHSF accommodation
The parent accommodation which CHSF funds thanks to your donations is crucially important, and with your help we can keep offering families this respite. Heart mum Tamra lives in Malton, and returned home with heart hero Finley just days before Christmas last year....
New Kitchen for Eckersley, because of you!
Our partner charity The Sick Children’s Trust sent us a lovely letter thanking CHSF for a contribution of around £4.5k towards renovating the ground floor kitchen at Eckersley House. The work was completed in November, and has only been possible because of your...