“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: May 2025
"This month we have reflected on connections. We tend to focus on positive outcomes in terms of a successful surgery, a family going home after a long admission or the speedy recovery of a patient - but we sometimes forget those small wins and bonds formed through CHD...
Support for families: April 2025
In April 2025, as well as the incredible day-to-day support from our Family Support team, we're shining a light on our youth support work and the care given to families staying with us long-term on the ward. Every month brings new families, challenges and stories, and...
Support for families: March 2025
CHSF are there for every step of the CHD journey, from diagnosis right through to transition and adulthood. In March 2025, our Family Support team had yet another busy month working to build empowered lives for families and patients across our region. We can only do...