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Neonatal peer support

Neonatal peer support can make a huge difference to families who spend time in neonatal care. It’s delivered by peer supporters with lived experience of neonatal care.

How peer support can help

Research suggests that peer support delivered by those with lived experience can help people feel happier, less isolated and empowered. It can also have a positive impact on long-term mental health and wellbeing. 

 

It encourages people to share their thoughts and feelings and enables them to form relationships with those who have shared a similar experience.

Our neonatal peer supports

Having someone to talk to can relieve stress and feelings of isolation for both mum and dad. Sometimes parents with a baby on the neonatal unit may feel that their friends and families don’t fully understand their fears and worries, or the challenges of having a sick or premature baby in hospital.

 

Peer support gives you the opportunity to talk openly about your emotions and your worries and can help you validate your feelings. Knowing that someone has felt exactly the same as you do right now can really help. 

 

Our peer supporters have had their own neonatal journey. They’re there to help and support you when they can. It can feel lonely on the neonatal unit and our peer support volunteers will sit with you by your baby’s cot side for a chat, or in the family sitting room. They can also support you to access help from other organisations.

Where to find neonatal peer support

Our neonatal peer support is available at North Manchester General Hospital, Royal Bolton Hospital, Royal Oldham Hospital, St Mary’s Hospital, Stepping Hill Hospital and Wythenshawe hospital.

 

We have a team of dedicated peer support volunteers who are available on the neonatal unit throughout the week.

 

You’ll find details of this in the family sitting room, on the Facebook page or by speaking to your baby’s nurse.

 

All our volunteers have enhanced DBS checks, safeguarding training and full peer support training.

 

If you live outside of the Greater Manchester area and are looking for peer support, speak to a member of staff on your neonatal unit. They may be able to point you in the right direction.

Community support groups

As well as peer support, we have a number of free community support groups for you to get involved with in the Greater Manchester area.

FIND OUT MORE