During the month of December…

  • 38 referrals received for targeted Family Support

  • 39 families engaged with

  • 11 young people and their families worked with and supported

337 families supported in 2025

As we look back on the year, we reflect with pride on what the Family Support Team has achieved and the impact this has had for the families we support.

At the same time, we pause to remember the families who have lost their heart warriors this year. They are always in our thoughts and will be forever remembered by the CHSF team.

We look ahead to another year being there for our heart families – only possible because of you.

Wreath Making workshop

This month, we were delighted to host a festive wreath-making workshop for parents of heart patients and adult patients alike.

We welcomed families from both the ward and the wider community, creating a lovely space for everyone to come together.

As well as enjoying a seasonal craft, families had the chance to share their stories, build connections, and take a moment for themselves. For parents on the ward, it offered a break; for others, an opportunity to meet those a little further along in their heart journey.

And the best part? Every wreath was beautifully unique!

Thank you

“We want to say a huge thank you to all our supporters and the amazing CHSF team. Without our incredible Finance, Marketing and Fundraising teams, the Family Support Team wouldn’t be able to do what we do every day.” — Sarah, Lu & Mansi, CHSF Family Support team

It’s only with the help of our incredible supporters that we can continue to be there for every family that needs us. Thank you.

We are extremely grateful to The Liz & Terry Bramall Foundation for their generous support over three years towards our Family Support Service.
Relax & Recharge: Mindfulness Essentials for Heart Parents

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

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

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...