CHSF appreciates that kind gestures – no matter how small – can make the biggest difference to our families.
In February 2025, our Family Support team continue to focus on the wellbeing of heart families thanks to your donations, alongside our financial and practical support. Here’s the full report…
Family support in numbers
- 31 families received tailored family support
(16 of those families were new families for February) - A further 36 families engaged with the Family Support team, including 10 youth!
A total of 69 families supported in February 2025
Financial Support In Numbers
- 12 families received travel grants
- 5 external financial grants completed
- 26 Tesco vouchers given
- 12 meal vouchers for the hospital canteen
Photo: Family Support team, Sarah and Lu, visiting the wards with our wellbeing trolley
7 ‘Sibling Certificates’ given
Such a small gesture can create a huge impact. Our Sibling Certificates validate siblings of our heart patients and let them know how just amazing they are.
Photo: Family Support/Youth Worker Lu with super sibling Perri on the ward last year
Comfort and care package
21 people have accessed our ‘Comfort and Care package‘ including 13 from Adults and Neonatal. This package includes toiletries and essential items.
10 Parent-To-Be packs given to Fetal Clinic
Cardiac Cafe York
Our support extends beyond the hospital walls, with families coming together across the region at our Cardiac Café events.
“Amazing cafe today guys, really enjoyed seeing you all. Plenty to eat and drink. Fun activities for the kids to keep them entertained. Thank you so much for everything you all do.”
“Good location for us. The boys really enjoyed the activities, especially the plastercine. Everyone is so friendly and it was nice to meet more members of the team and catch up.”
Taking some time out
3 families benefited from a time out from the ward this month.
Our time is the most valuable gift we can give, offering a listening ear can support parents to escape their mind and surroundings, and encourage them to take some much needed time for themselves.
“You don’t know how happy I felt after our coffee, it helped to get away and talk”
“I had a big rant and a cry and I feel much better now I have got it all out of my system”
Cross-working and signposting
6 new external services and charities engaged with
February 2025’s impact shows that all aspects of our Family Support service are equally as valuable – no matter how big or small the gesture. CHSF ensure heart families in our region have both practical and wellbeing support throughout their journey with congenital heart disease.
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.
Stay Another Day: The Hemingway Family
Helen was born in 1989 with a congenital heart defect. She lived in Hull with her mum, dad and sister, but would need heart surgery at Killingbeck Hospital in Leeds (over 60 miles away) to save her life. Heart mum Lesley sent us an amazing story about her daughter...
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...
Stay Another Day: Harry’s Story
Heart hero Harry had life-saving open heart surgery at Leeds, in October this year. From Harrogate, mum Shawney tells us a bit more about the brilliant work of the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit and how their family were looked after in CHSF-funded accommodation while...