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 this with your help, thank you for continuing to champion our cause.
Family support in numbers
- 36 families received targeted family support – 22 new families
(16 of those families were new families for March) - A further 23 families engaged with the Family Support team
- 25 young people engaged with through the month
Financial Support In Numbers
- 12 families received travel grants (5 new for March)
- 8 external financial grants completed
- 27 Tesco vouchers given
- 1 exceptional grant given
Photo: Family Support team, Lu and Sarah, on the heart ward (L51)
Cardiac Cafe Leeds [SEN focus]
We held the March Cardiac Cafe in Leeds and invited families to come along to meet SENDIASS who provide the Leeds SEND information and advice support service.
We had a lovely morning at Interplay Theatre in Armley and some great conversations were had.
Photo: Mum chatting to the SENDIASS team with Lu
“Today’s event was really good. I had lots of questions about [my son’s] support at appointments etc. It was great talking through everything and trying to find solutions.”
Quarter 1 Feedback
“The staff members were so good, kind and supportive always there for us in our hard times, providing us with whatever we need.”
“The continuous help and constant hope. Someone always coming to check on me and the baby. And offering their services constantly.”
“We have appreciated everything you have supplied for us. The financial help is a massive help with travel etc. The Tesco vouchers are really good too.”
“The service really supported my mental wellbeing and allowed me to stop worrying about things like accommodation. I can honestly say if it wasn’t for [CHSF] and their support, I don’t know how I would have got through this traumatic experience.”
“They help the families out with every day things like toiletries, Tesco vouchers for weekly shopping – they even have got me a gym membership which has helped me a lot during as my daughter was admitted for few weeks. They have also arranged Family Fund which was very helpful for the family. All these meant a lot as being in hospital living away from home and my other child was hard. Lucy has helped me out with local map Leeds for my partner’s parents. They are very helpful, kind and listen to families and help in all possible ways.”
Quarter 1: Youth impact in numbers
54 young people worked with Jan – Mar 2025
14 completed the Youth Voice activity
3 young people supported with education
4 young people received inpatient 121 sessions
7 young people access Comfort & Care pack
16 young people supported with Transition
5 young people signposted to external services
3 young people supported with getting work placements
38 Youth Cards received
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.
#TeamCHSF Dragon Boat Challenge 2025
On Saturday 12th July, the CHSF team will be competing in a Dragon Boat Race - and we'd love your support! Organised by the Rotary Club of Wakefield Chantry and Normanton, it’s a fun day for the whole family. #TeamCHSF will complete against 40 teams from local...
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...
Bonnie
Bonnie is two years old and was born with Atrial septal defect (ASD) and Ventricular septal defect (VSD) which were surgically repaired in Leeds at age 4 months. She has just celebrated her second heart day on 4th May! Mum Charleigh tells us about Bonnie's CHD journey...