Tiny Lives Trust charity launches plan to care for 'even more sick and premature babies' amid child poverty crisis

Much-loved Tyneside charity Tiny Lives Trust has launched a new plan to ensure it cares for "even more sick and premature babies".

The charity supports babies in need across the region working from the Royal Victoria Infirmary's neo-natal care unit. It has now launched a five-year strategy highlighting a focus on supporting families through a baby's first 1,001 days and helping those impacted by the region's worryingly high child poverty rates which, the charity said, meant its support was needed more than ever.

Tiny Lives Trust chief executive Kelly Blakeney said: "“Recently Tiny Lives celebrated our 10th anniversary as an independent charity and over this time we have helped thousands of families during the most difficult of times.

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“Today we are launching our new five-year strategy that will allow us to give even more sick and premature babies in the North East and North Cumbria the best possible opportunity to thrive. Families are at the heart of everything that we do and our future focus will see us deepening our relationship with the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) hospital, as well as working to support even more families, including those families who are currently underrepresented within our service.

"The first 1,001 days, from conception to age two, are fundamental to a child's lifelong emotional and physical wellbeing and we want to play a defining role in supporting premature and sick newborn babies and their families during this critical period."

The charity has emphasised the power of supporting families through three key goals - supporting youngsters in their first 1,001 days, ensuring babies, families and there needs are "understood" by the healthcare professionals looking after them, and championing the way in which excellent neo-natal care can be a "key driver of positive health and social outcomes in the North East and North Cumbria".

This comes with one in seven babies spending time in neo-natal care each year - and 190,000 babies, children and young people living below the poverty line across the North East.

Kelly added: “Our heartland is the Newcastle Neonatal Service at the RVI in Newcastle Upon Tyne. As a regional centre of excellence, the RVI plays a unique role in caring for babies with the most complex needs. Over time, the RVI's reach has extended across the North East and North Cumbria, allowing us to expand our services and support more families. Wider developments across maternity services have also provided an important policy focus.

"Yet we know we can go further to support families cared for at the Newcastle Neonatal Service. We also know that many more families across the North East and North Cumbria need support throughout their neonatal journey."

The new strategy has been produced in collaboration with families, supporters, staff and the charity's board - and it includes details about the charity's priorities for the five years from 2024 to 2029. See the final document here.