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.
Maisy
Maisy was diagnosed with Down syndrome shortly after birth, and at just 7 months old, she had open heart surgery at the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit. Her mum Laura has kindly shared their journey - from diagnosis, and the care Maisy received, to the support they’ve had...
Blake
Blake's mum, Chelsea, said: “My partner Matthew and I found out that Blake had something wrong with his heart when he suddenly was really poorly on 30th September 2022. “We took him to Chesterfield Hospital to be seen and Matthew and I were told he had sepsis,...
Youth Day: August 2025
Calling all 13-16 year olds!Sign up for our Youth Day this summerWhen? Tuesday 12th August 2025 Where? Lineham Farm, Leeds [Google Maps] Time: 9:30am - 3:30pm (lunch included!)Join the CHSF team for an exciting day at Lineham Farm this summer! Meet other young people...
CHSF donates £15,000 to Eckersley House
Children’s Heart Surgery Fund (CHSF) have awarded a further grant of £15,000 towards Eckersley House, a ‘Home from Home’ run by The Sick Children’s Trust for parents with a seriously ill child in hospital. Since being relocated next to the Leeds Children’s Hospital in...
Support for families: May 2025
"This month we have reflected on connections. We tend to focus on positive outcomes in terms of a successful surgery, a family going home after a long admission or the speedy recovery of a patient - but we sometimes forget those small wins and bonds formed through CHD...
Support for families: April 2025
In April 2025, as well as the incredible day-to-day support from our Family Support team, we're shining a light on our youth support work and the care given to families staying with us long-term on the ward. Every month brings new families, challenges and stories, and...






