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.
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...
Sensory Session with Family Support
Thanks to your donations - which fund her role - Family Support Supervisor, Sarah Cherry arranged a soft play and sensory session earlier this month for heart heroes with additional needs. Sarah told us a bit more about the sessions and why heart hero Daniela and her...
Georgie spends the day with Shelly, CHSF Family Support Worker
Corporate Partnerships Manager Georgie recently had the opportunity to shadow Shelly, one of our Family Support Workers at CHSF, as she visited families currently staying on the children's heart ward (L51). Shelly's crucial role is only made possible by generous...
Private Group on Facebook for CHSF Patients and Families
CHSF’s private community group on Facebook is a peer-support forum for heart families and patients to network with others who have had shared experiences. The group consists of patients with congenital heart disease, parents and family members who find it an...
CHSF grant £10,000 to Eckersley House
We are thrilled to announce we have awarded a grant of £10,000 to Eckersley House ‘Home from Home’ run by The Sick Children’s Trust, thanks to your donations. Eckersley House gives families with a seriously ill child at Leeds Children’s Hospital a place to stay just...
Applying for Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
What is Disability Living Allowance (DLA)? If you are looking after a child with a health condition or disability who is under 16, they may be entitled to a benefit called Disability Living Allowance or 'DLA'. DLA is extra money you might be able to claim to help...