Rvi Tiny Lives (Special Care Babies)

The RVI Neonatal Unit currently has 3 groups that parents can come to to find support; the Ward 35 Coffee Morning, the SCBU Dads' Team and the Buddy Group. They may differ slightly, but all offer a friendly, informal environment for parents to chat, meet other parents and share any worries. Tiny Lives supports these groups via promotion, and by funding refreshments ☕️🍰 #NICUMHAW

Babies on the Neonatal Unit got an early Easter surprise today, as they each recieived a cuddly bunny, chick or lamb! The adorable toys were funded by Tiny Lives and handed out by the Nursing team - special thanks to Adele for taking this amazing pic 🐣🐰❤️

Following today's coffee morning, parents will be able to enjoy complementary hand or foot massages on the Neonatal Unit, courtesy of Heather Jones. These will hopefully boost relaxation and reduce anxiety, encouraging more positive mental health. #NICUMHAW

Did you attend one of our Ward 35 Coffee Mornings when you were on the Unit? We'd love to know your thoughts! Held every Wednesday, 11am - 1pm, these friendly events are a great way for parents on the Neonatal Unit to chat, share, or even just take 5 - whilst enjoying tea, coffee and cake, funded by Tiny Lives. 🍰 #NICUMHAW

Neonatal Mental Health Awareness Week continues at the RVI today. In partnership with Music in Hospitals & Care today's focus is on Therapeutic Music - including a very relaxing Lullaby Hour, specially designed to soothe babies in hospital. #NICUMHAW

As part of Neonatal Mental Health Awareness Week, a Mindfulness session is being held on the RVI Neonatal Unit today, 2pm -3pm. A qualified practitioner will be taking parents through the basics of Mindfulness, helping them to deal with stress and anxiety. All week, we will also be supplying Mindfulness colouring books on the Ward, for families to take as they need. #NICUMHAW

To start off Neonatal Mental Health Awareness Week, we'd like to highlight the invaluable work done by Bridie, the Clinical Psychologist on Ward 35. Bridie's role on the Unit is funded by Tiny Lives, offering counselling and support to parents. She is a vital member of the team, helping parents to deal with the unexpected difficulty of their baby being born prematurely or sick. #NICUMHAW

We can't believe it has been almost 6 months since we launched our Parent Packs! Did you receive one whilst on the RVI Neonatal Unit? We'd love to get some feedback on them - leave your thoughts in the comments below! 💬

Next week is the first ever Neonatal Mental Health Awareness Week (15th - 21 April). We are very aware of the significant impact that a Neonatal stay can have on mental health of parents and family members, this week we will be featuring some of the work we already do to help tackle this issue, as well as some of our plans for the future.
As stats from our most recent Parent Survey show, this is such an important issue. We are dedicated supporting parental mental health wherever possible. #NICUMHAW

Are you interested in learning more about Mindfulness? We are hosting free Mindfulness sessions at the Tiny Lives office in the next few weeks, ideal for beginners. Please email jacqui@tinylives.org.uk to reserve your place. 🙏
Please note:
*These events are open to former RVI Ward 35 parents only.... *Unfortunately we cannot offer childcare at our office. *There is a max. number of 10 participants per session, so book now!
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To mark #NationalSiblingsDay, we're pleased to announce that our new Sibling Packs will launch on the RVI Neonatal Unit on 1 May 2019. These packs contain a storybook, colouring book and crayons, to help explain the Neonatal experience to children who have a new brother or sister on the Ward. We have also partnered with Weekend Box Club​ to offer custom activity boxes in the packs, tailored to teach children about the Neonatal environment. 👨‍👩‍👦‍👦

The next meeting of the SCBU Dad's Team will be taking place this Sunday (14th April), 6.30pm - 7.30pm in the Fetal Medicine Seminar Room next to Ward 35. Why not pop along and meet former and current NICU dads in an informal, supportive environment?

Are you running the Great North Run for #TeamTinyLives this year? We're looking for runners to share their stories and motivations for choosing Tiny Lives, to be featured on our website and social media. If you would like to share your story, please email info@tinylives.org.uk.

Did you spend time in the Breastfeeding Room on Ward 35? You might not recognise it, as it's recently had a full refurb! Funded by Tiny Lives, with a kind £500 contribution from Muckle LLP, the room now has a much more welcoming feel, with more comfortable chairs, new lamps, a new cabinet and lots of homely touches, such as new artwork, a clock and mirror. ❤️

Our supporter Kevin is kindly holding a Golf Day in aid of Tiny Lives at Ramside Hall on Weds 19th June 2019. Entry is £400 per team of 4 golfers, which includes:
⛳️ Bacon butties on-arrival ⛳️ Green fees ⛳️ 2-course meal... ⛳️ Team and individual prizes ⛳️ Entry to the raffle ⛳️ 'Beat the Pro' Opportunity ⛳️ Halfway House refreshments
It's an ideal opportunity for corporate team-building or away days - you'll enjoy a great day out, and raise money for Tiny Lives at the same time!
For more info email: kevin@root-cause-consultancy.co.uk