Welcome to Hope

A support group for parents of neonatal babies at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.

A Community of NICU Parents

HOPE is a support group for parents of neonatal babies at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.  Having a baby on the neonatal Unit can be an incredibly worrying, terrifying, and stressful time for families.  HOPE was set up by a group of parents who have themselves been through life on the unit, and who are able to share knowledge based on their own experiences.  

Our aim is to Help Other Parents Emotionally and provide emotional support, a listening ear, and a friendly face along with practical advice to all parents whilst they are on the unit and when they go home.

Support, advice and a good time

We have a very active WhatsApp and Facebook Group which are both private and only available to parents that have been on GRH NNU.  Both areas are a safe space for parents to ask questions, to ask for support, advice and very often just some reassurance from other parents.

Prior to COVID we ran a weekly group for parents to come along and bring their babies, toddlers, and pre-schoolers to.  Activities included messy play, craft activities, but also time for parents to have a hot cuppa and some cake!  We are hoping to be able to bring this group back.  We know that it can be daunting to go to regular baby groups, especially if babies are still on oxygen or with additional needs.

Since forming, the group has grown, and lifelong friendships have been formed. Many playdates in the park have been arranged and a few fun evenings out without babies and toddlers.

How to get involved

If you want to learn more about HOPE activities or want to get involved then you can contact us via messenger on the HOPE Facebook page, by asking one of the nurses on the unit or by via the Contact Us Page on this website.

Scoo-B-Doo Charity
Donations fund 80% of the life-saving equipment used every day in Gloucester Royal Hospital's Special Care Baby Unit.