“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.
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...