Parents of babies staying in The James Cook University Hospital’s neonatal unit are now receiving free meal vouchers thanks to the Volunteers' Coffee Lounge.
Parents often spend many hours on the neonatal intensive care unit with their child when they are sick or born premature, long after mum has been discharged from maternity care.
During this time, they often forget to eat and drink, and when they do it can be very costly.
Research from the charity BLISS, in 2022, estimated that families with a baby in neonate care face an average additional financial burden of £405 per week.
The new initiative provides parents with meal vouchers to ensure they stay nourished during long hours at their child’s bedside.
Giving back
For Georgina Oakley, manager of The Volunteers’ Coffee Lounge, the new partnership is deeply personal.
In September 2002, her son George was born 10 weeks early via emergency C-section.
He spent a month on the same unit she is now supporting.
Reflecting back, Georgina said: “To say I was in a state of disbelief is an understatement.
“We were extremely lucky George had no major issues, but being tube-fed was daunting.
“My memories of the unit are of the outstanding care we received. I hope offering a helping hand shows these families they aren’t alone.”
Making a difference
Lynne Paterson, nurse consultant, said: “We are so grateful to Georgina and the Volunteers’ Coffee Lounge team.
“These vouchers provide a well-deserved break and ensure parents look after themselves during a difficult time.
“Thanks to the Volunteers’ Coffee Lounge, parents will have one less thing to worry about when they are already anxious about their baby.
“We can’t thank them enough for their generosity.”
Get involved
The Volunteers’ Coffee Lounge runs entirely on donations and all their profits are reinvested into the hospital.
If anyone would like to donate to them, our find out about their volunteering opportunities, please contact Georgina Oakley on 01642 854886 or email [email protected]