“I was most supported whilst we were in hospital and I was away from all my family alone. I remember having visits at the side of the bed and a friendly face to talk to as well as wellbeing trolleys etc!”” – heart mum
During the month of October…
-
12 referrals received for targeted Family Support
-
31 families engaged with
-
14 young people and their families worked with and supported
Financial support in October…
-
7 new families received travel grants
-
2 wellbeing grant given
-
7 external grants given
- 30 Tesco vouchers given
Our Family Support Inclusion Worker Mansi Daas had a lovely meeting with the Chaplaincy team to explore future collaborations and working together to tailor support for each family’s unique needs. She also enjoyed a lovely Diwali celebration!
” It was a pleasure for me as a Family Support inclusion worker to join the Chaplaincy Team for a beautiful Diwali celebration! 🪔✨
We were warmly welcomed, and what started as a meeting turned into a joyful celebration. It is a true reflection of future collaboration and community spirit.
The atmosphere was filled with togetherness, lovely prayers, and delicious food. I felt deeply included meeting people from diverse backgrounds and celebrating the rich tapestry of cultures that make our communities so special.”
Halifax Cardiac Cafe
We had a great day in Halifax for this months Cardiac cafe, it was great to catch up with little Florence Dottie and her parents – Florence spent 80 days in hospital when she was born and parents were so very grateful for the support from CHSF.
We spoke about how different the journey is with a newborn in hospital and how much you take for granted when you have a healthy child with Dad stating how during that time he was only able to cuddle Florence 6 times, in the early days this should be a number you lose track of.
Parents commented on how much the family support meant not only to them but their wider family and support networks.
Youth Hub round-up by Lucy McMahon
Wow – what a month! Spooky season has been full of energy, creativity, and connection for our CHSF young people. Here’s what’s been happening:
Youth Event: Paint & Sip Night
We kicked off the new academic year with our first youth event Paint & Sip! Young people spent a relaxing evening painting, sipping mocktails, and chatting with others who “get it.” Special thanks to Amy, our Transition Nurse from the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit, who wowed everyone with her artistic flair!
Youth Voice
A huge shoutout to Toby and Arabiya, who created brilliant video presentations for the Board of Trustees! They both shared their personal experiences of living with CHD and their ideas for shaping the future of our Youth Hub. We’re so proud of their confidence and insight.
On the Wards
Both Ward 51 and Ward 16 have been busy this month, with several young people spending time there.
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.
Support for Heart Families on the Neonatal Unit
The neonatal unit (ward L43) cares for babies who need extra help after they are born. This includes babies born with heart disease, and we asked Advanced Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Jenny Naylor to describe how CHSF work with NHS staff to support patient’s families...
Christmas Wreath Making
Adult patients and parents are invited to CHSF’s Christmas Wreath Making When? Wednesday 10th December Where? Joseph's Well, Suite D14 [Google maps] Time: 1pm - 4pm Who? Adults with CHD and heart parentsJoin the CHSF team for a festive afternoon of wreath making! Meet...
The jobs market when you’re a ‘first generation’ middle-aged heart patient
"Funny looking pic, isn't it? The above photo is my aorta, mid-operation in 2008, as a truly wonderful team at Leeds General Infirmary battled to save my life. "Not my first heart surgery, but definitely my most dramatic and frightening."I've been involved with all...
