PROJECT IS FAB FOR FAMILIES AND BABIES

Stockport Council and Stockport NHS Foundation Trust have launched a new project to support the parents and families of premature or sick infants.

The Family and Baby project (FAB) has been set up at the neonatal unit at Stepping Hill Hospital in partnership with the Council run local Sure Start Children’s Centre.

 The project aims to provide parents and families with the following:

• To help them make new friends and network with other families in similar situations   
• Signpost people to other agencies who can provide additional help including  their local Council run Sure Start Children’s Centre
• Provide emotional support
• Provide general information, advice and guidance

Councillor Kevin Dowling, Stockport Council’s Executive Member for Children and Young People, said: “I’m delighted that the Council has been working in partnership with Stepping Hill Hospital to deliver this project. This is a very positive project which will help parents and families to access the support and help they need when coping with a premature or sick child.”

Claire Woodford, Head of Children’s Services at Stepping Hill Hospital, said: “Having a sick or premature child can be a stressful experience. The FAB service is a way of supporting parents and carers and keeping them informed, to help them through difficult times.”

 For more information about the FAB Project contact your local Council run Sure Start Children’s Centre on 0161 217 6028 or visit the Council website at www.stockport.gov.uk/surestart

 To raise awareness of the new project a competition was launched to create a picture that would best represent the unit. 18 entries were received from Stockport Schools close to the hospital from reception and year 6. A pupil from Dial Park Primary was selected as the winner and as a prize the pupil will be presented with a certificate and a framed copy of the winning entry.

Stockport Council and Stockport NHS Foundation Trust have launched a new project to support the parents and families of premature or sick infants.