Charity - Bliss

One in eight babies in the UK is born premature or sick – that’s 80,000 babies every year. Bliss exists to make sure these babies have the best possible start to life.

For many families, having a premature baby can be a scary and distressing time. Parents may feel unprepared and upset at seeing their child in hospital. We provide them with the information and support they need to understand what is happening and to make crucial decisions that will influence their child’s future. Our parent messageboard, helpline and leaflets for parents can be a lifeline at this difficult time.

While advances in technology have resulted in many more premature babies surviving and leading healthy, happy lives, there is a chronic shortage of specialist nurses to give them the care they need just after birth. Some mothers and babies are transported hundreds of miles just to find a staffed cot in a neonatal unit with the right facilities. Premature and sick babies are very vulnerable and the care they receive in the first few weeks of life can shape their future lives. Bliss talks to the Government, MPs and other policymakers to persuade them to make the necessary changes and commitments so that these shortages can be addressed, and so that babies can receive the care they deserve.

Care for premature babies is an area of medicine that is constantly changing and making breakthroughs. Bliss supports new innovations and developments in care by funding vital clinical research and supporting health professional development. By encouraging and supporting the fantastic work done by doctors and nurses, we aim to give every baby born too soon, too small or too sick to cope on their own the best possible start to their life.

Bliss has an active community of volunteers who do invaluable work to further our cause. Whether they manage a regional branch, attend events, act as case studies or run marathons, we are indebted to them for their enthusiasm and commitment. For more information on BLISS, please visit www.bliss.org.uk