“As we reach the halfway point of the year, we wanted to take a moment to share what the Family Support Team has achieved so far in 2025.
“Each quarter, we reflect on our progress to help everyone understand the impact we’ve made.
“This update gives a picture of our ‘Year-To-Date’ figures. From practical help to time out and a brew, we’re proud of how much has been delivered in just 6 months!” — Sarah Cherry, Head of Family Support
A total of 296 families and young people engaged with between Jan – Jun 2025
- 127 families have independently accessed CHSF Family Support service
- 89 families engaged with
- 81 young people worked with and supported
- 50 families have received supermarket vouchers
- 53 families have received travel grants
- 1288 total nights in CHSF Accommodation
- 15 families have accessed a family wellbeing activity or voucher
- 63 people have attended come to a Cardiac Cafe event
“Thank you so much! I’ve said it before, our journey would’ve been harder without your support. We will forever be grateful and do what we can to support the charity!”
Cardiac Cafe Sheffield
This month we hosted our June Cardiac Café in Sheffield. We were joined by 6 families including one youth and his mum and one Adult patient. The café was also attended by Stephen, a doctoral research fellow within Leeds Teaching Hospital.
It is clear to see how the cardiac cafes have developed over the years. Stephen gave such positive feedback about the value these hold, not only for families, but as a space to capture their voice. He spoke about how he could see families relax in a peer to peer environment and share their journey with each other.
Parents see the value in these events with two heart mums in Rotherham setting up their own Cardiac Café, supported by CHSF with resources. This highlights the value placed on connection within the heart community.
New gym pass for families
As part of Family Wellbeing we have introduced a gym pass for our families to use to promote their health and wellbeing. This is working in partnership with Snap Fitness who have provided a discounted rate.
“Lucy also kindly arranged for temporary access to a gym for me, which really helped with balancing my mental health whilst my daughter was being cared for.”
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.
Support for families: September 2025
“You have been wonderful, please keep up the outstanding work” - heart mumDuring the month of September... 7 referrals received for targeted Family Support 7 families engaged with 6 young people and their families worked with and supported Financial support in...
Family Support Update: Inclusion in action
Mansi Dass joined Children’s Heart Surgery Fund as Family Inclusion Worker in late June. Here’s an update from CHSF’s Head of Family Support, Sarah Cherry on how Mansi is dedicating her time to promoting inclusion, celebrating cultures and raising awareness to bridge...
Support for families: August 2025
“The ability to listen when you’re going through a hard time. Kindness in providing accommodation and vouchers when your child is in PICU or HDU. Empathising with your emotions and being a friendly face. "The highlight for us was our child receiving a Katie bear and a...