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We offer a range of practical and emotional support for families on the Neonatal Unit. Tiny Lives recognises that every family is different and your neonatal journey is unique to you.

Please click here to register with Tiny Lives. By registering directly with us, we can offer you help and support directly,  or signpost you to the most relevant support for you at your stage in your neonatal journey.

On Unit Resource Videos

In partnership with Ward 35 Staff, vCreate and Newcastle Hospitals Trust, we have been working on some virtual resources for Neonatal families. These videos are available to all families currently on the unit through vCreate and are also available to view  here. 

Family Support

When you’re admitted to the Unit, the real world doesn’t stop. Bills still have to be paid, family members juggled and other responsibilities don’t go away. We can help you navigate your way through this confusing time. Tiny Lives part-funds a Family Support Social Worker, Fiona Bell, who can offer practical advice on financial matters, benefit entitlement, communicating with your workplace and more. Fiona is also an excellent shoulder for any other concerns – you can go to her with any worries, or just for a chat. 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, and her colleague Julie via email, or by calling 07787691286.

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.

Parent Packs

After a successful trial on the Unit, we now fund Parent Packs for parents upon admission to the Unit. Each family receives one pack, which is full of useful bits and pieces to help make the initial transition to the Neonatal Unit a little easier. If you have not received your Parent Pack, please ask your nurse and they will be more than happy to grab one for you.

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.

Parking Permits and Transport Scheme

Parking costs should not be a concern when you’re visiting your baby. We fund a parking permit for each family on the Neonatal Unit. These can be used by a parent or a nominated driver (eg. grandparent). If you do not have access to a car, we can fund tickets for buses and Metros. Please ask your nurse in order to get the best option for you. Our transport scheme is currently generously funded by TT2 the operators of the Tyne Tunnels.

No longer on the Unit?

We can still support you.

I’ve been Discharged
I need Bereavement Support
I’m looking for Support Groups

Have a question or need more support? Get in touch now.

You can also reach us and find out more infomation via our social media channels, or via email:

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Here’s some of the topics we hope will be helpful to you.

We’re here for you,

give us a call or email

0191 230 2112

info@tinylives.org.uk

Read Our Stories

Here are just some of the families we’ve been able to help.

Betsy’s
Story
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Ella’s
Story
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Sam’s
Story
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