“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 and CHSF.
“Connections are empowering and CHSF are at the heart of this” — Sarah Cherry, Head of Family Support
Family support in numbers
- 20 families received targeted family support
(11 of those families were new families for April) - A further 20 families engaged with the Family Support team
- 11 young people engaged with through the month
Financial Support In Numbers
- 25 families received travel grants
- 13 external financial grants completed
- 20 Tesco vouchers given
- 2 exceptional grants given
- 2 wellbeing grants given
8 Comfort & Care packs
given out to families on the ward
Cardiac Cafe Bradford
“Had an amazing time. My Son loved every moment. It was great to come out of the house and meet people. My son enjoyed and played with every toy. The staff are lovely and great to be around. Will be coming to more events like this”
This month we hosted our Bradford Cardiac Café. This was at the Bradford West Family Hub. We were joined by Araminta, the Bradford Congenital Cardiac Nurse Specialist (CCNS), and Zoe, one of the support team from Martin House.
Six families attended the event including two young people, one bereaved family, five mums and two dads. This month’s event highlighted the importance of peer connections within the diverse community families we support. With parents feeling comfortable chatting to each other and sharing their heart journeys.
Support for long-term families
Connections
This month we have witnessed the positive connections made within the hospital, at a time of stress and isolation parents and patients come together through their shared experiences to support one and other in times of need.
We have seen first hand the power of these connections – from a parent taking a struggling new mum for a time out from the hospital, babies and children showing their determination, making new friends and forming close bonds, and a bereaved Mum contacting the charity to ask how they can stay close to CHSF and help others.
“This is the only place where people understand what I am going through, I come to Leeds, and I feel safe” Heart Mum You were the face of our journey; it is important I support you to carry on and to help my sons legacy continue” — bereaved heart mum
“Being in hospital away from family and friends can be scary but lonely, CHSF makes this journey so much easier always being that friendly face to make a bad day that little bit better.”
“They understand that parents are in shock. They asked how they can help you. They were kind and they didn’t let us feel at anytime that we are burdening them.”
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.
Youth Event: Boxing For Wellbeing
Join Tommy Frank for a Boxing for Wellbeing sessionWhen? Wednesday 27th May 2026 Where? Titans Boxing, 157 Morland Road, Sheffield S14 1TE [Google Maps] Time: 10:30am - 1pm Who? CHD Patients (aged 12+)Join the CHSF team for a fab morning with CHSF Ambassador, heart...
Support for families: February 2026
During the month of February... 50 families worked with overall 26 families received a tailored packaged of Family Support 24 families engaged with -- 17 young people and their families worked with and supported 22 Travel Grants given 8 attended Cardiac Cafe 27...
Mabel
This is Mabel’s story, shared by her family after discovering complications with her heart during pregnancy. Children’s Heart Surgery Fund supports the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit, helping provide the care and equipment needed throughout her treatment.written by mum...