ADAPT
Key Facts
Location
Project Criteria
Project funding
£16,000
Funding round
ADAPT is a Leicester based charity that supports parents of babies who need or needed neonatal care. We were set up in 1995. Most of the parents we work with feel very isolated because their experiences are not ones they can share with many other new parents. Coping with the demands of a sick baby is very traumatic, difficult and emotionally draining. ADAPT provides help not only through listening and advice but also through small hardship grants for those on limited incomes. These grants help with transportation, babysitting and equipment costs.
ADAPT currently supports two neonatal units in Leicester by visiting parents on the units. The Parenting Fund grant will enable ADAPT to employ an additional support worker so both units can be visited at least three times a week.
The funding will alsosupport two additional drop-in groups at each hospital. These groups will take place one evening a week. Parents of the sick babies and other family members will be able to come along and meet other parents and committee members (volunteers - most who have had premature babies).
Siblings will also be able to visit the new baby for 5 - 10 minutes then take part in short activities organised by ADAPT whilst the parents spend time with the baby on their own.
The project will enable parents to visit the baby in the evenings without having to worry about child care for their older children and give the older sibling a chance to get to know the new baby.
By using the drop-in sessions, parents will understand how ADAPT can help them once their baby leaves hospital. Parents will meet key people and learn of the In-B-Tweenie Groups that run two mornings a week for parents, babies and children who have in the past needed neonatal care. ADAPT also helps single and young parents who find their baby's neonatal care emotionally traumatic and financially difficult.