We are here for you and your baby

Mental Health Support

Being on the Unit with your child can have a huge impact on your mental health. Feelings of anxiety, stress and fear are completely normal, and Tiny Lives is here to support you through this. We fund a Clinical Psychologist on the RVI Neonatal Unit who is there for any parent or family member who may need some support. If you are currently on the Unit, ask a member of Unit staff  to speak to Bridie Grant or call 0191 282 4081.

If you are off the Unit, please get in touch with us directly and we can help with this, or feel free to ring the number above. Please do not hesitate to reach out, taking care of yourself is just as important as caring for your baby!

We’re thrilled to announce parents who have left Ward 35 are able to access additional counselling via self referral. Counselling is available to any former Ward 35 parents, no matter how long you have been off the unit and you can attend as individuals or a couple. For more information and to self refer, please click here.

Tiny Lives Financial Assistance Fund

Money worries can be a common concern for families on the Neonatal Unit, especially if your baby comes months earlier than expected. We have a fund that can help families in need with essential expenses, please do ask if this is something that could help you. The fund can be accessed by speaking to Tiny Lives Family Support Social Worker, Fiona Bell. If you’d like to speak to Fiona, you can email her or call 07855143977. You can also contact Fiona’s colleague Vicky Gordon by email too.

Sibling Support

When you have older children, spending time on the Neonatal Unit can be a challenge. We provide Sibling Packs for all siblings on the Unit (suitable from ages 3+), which are complete with craft activities to keep boredom at bay, as well as books that help to explain what a Neonatal Unit is.

We have also funded portable DVD players and DVDs on the Neonatal Unit, which can offer a vital distraction to siblings during longer hospital visits. Just ask your nurse to access any of these items.