The Premature Baby Charity for Northern Ireland

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Our Journey Through Loss and Hope: Jamie and Jess’s Story

| Mon Sep 2024

This is our second year experiencing it as our first year was shortly after we lost our daughter Thea. Thea was born at 25 weeks and 2 days after Jess had gone into preterm labour on February 25th 2023. Thea’s pregnancy was fairly typical apart from Jess being admitted to hospital for hyperemesis gravidarum. Thea […]

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TinyLife Response to Department of Economy Good Jobs Consultation September 2024

| Fri Sep 2024

Neonatal Care Leave and Pay About TinyLife TinyLife are Northern Ireland’s only dedicated premature baby charity here to help provide support services both in the Neonatal Unit and in the community .  Our Mission is that a premature or sick baby who starts life in a neonatal unit in Northern Ireland has the best start […]

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Belfast City Council becomes the first local authority in Northern Ireland to introduce a neonatal leave and pay policy.

| Wed Sep 2024

Belfast City Council has become the first authority in Northern Ireland to introduce a neonatal leave and pay policy for their staff! In collaboration with TinyLife, Belfast City Council has developed a policy that provides up to 12 weeks of additional leave for staff with a newborn who has spent time in a neonatal care […]

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From Premature Birth to Half Marathon: Rachael McGrath Runs Belfast Half Marathon to Support TinyLife

| Mon Sep 2024

Rachael McGrath is gearing up to run the Belfast Half Marathon in aid of TinyLife, we are a charity close to her heart that supports babies born too soon, too small, and too sick across Northern Ireland. Already raising over £500, Rachael is determined to contribute to the essential work that TinyLife does for families […]

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Family Support Officer Jill Trimble takes on 32 miles for the 32 days her twins spent in NICU!

| Mon Sep 2024

Jill Trimble, a dedicated Family Support Officer at TinyLife, is set to run in the Belfast Half Marathon on September 22nd, fueled by a deeply personal mission. Jill’s twins, Perry and Emmy, were born prematurely at just 30 weeks and spent 32 days in the neonatal unit. Their challenging start to life inspired Jill to […]

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TinyLife Receives £1,500 Grant from Tesco for Breast Pump Loan Service!

| Wed Jul 2024

We are delighted to announce that TinyLife has received a generous £1,500 grant from Tesco! This funding, provided by the Stronger Starts scheme, will be used to enhance our Breast Pump Loan service, ensuring vital support for parents of premature and sick babies. The grant will help cover the costs of essential breast pump kits […]

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New Job Post! Community Fundraiser | Paid

| Wed Jul 2024

We’re Hiring! Are you passionate about working for and contributing to an organisation that makes a difference by supporting families with premature babies in your community? Want to be part of an amazing team? 25 hours per week / hybrid working. For full job spec and application form visit: https://www.tinylife.org.uk/about-us/vacancies Closing date: Wednesday 31st July […]

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Paid leave for parents if your baby needs neonatal care!

| Wed Jul 2024

TinyLife warmly welcomes the Department for the Economy’s new consultation on proposals to introduce a range of enhancements to employment legislation, including paid neonatal leave. Paid neonatal leave in England, Scotland and Wales has already been legislated for at Westminster. We are delighted that action is now being taken to introduce similar provisions for Northern […]

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Sharon Nurse, former TinyLife board member makes the Kings Honours List 2024!

| Thu Jun 2024

On behalf of the TinyLife Board, Staff, Volunteers and Families, we would like to congratulate Sharon Nurse, former TinyLife board member, for making the Kings Honours List 2024. With over 50 years of service as a neonatal midwife and lecturer at Queen’s University, no one is more deserving of this honour than Sharon. Laura McKeaveney, […]

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TinyLife Needs Your Help!

| Thu May 2024

We’ve been nominated for the AIB Community Fund, and with your help, we could win €1 Million! This funding will be a game-changer, allowing us to provide even better support for babies born too soon, too small, or too sick, and their families. Please take 2 minutes to nominate us. Vote for 𝗧𝗶𝗻𝘆 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲 in […]

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New Job Post! Corporate & Event Fundraiser | Paid

| Wed May 2024

We’re Hiring! TinyLife are recruiting a new full time permanent Corporate & Events Fundraiser! As the Corporate & Events Fundraiser, you’ll drive fundraising initiatives, working with local businesses and the community to generate income and raise awareness of TinyLife’s work. Apply now: https://www.tinylife.org.uk/about-us/vacancies/ Closing date: Friday, 7th June 2024, 12 Noon.

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New Job Post! Office and Fundraising Administrator | Paid

| Wed May 2024

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of families with premature or sick babies? TinyLife is seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Office and Fundraising Administrator to join our team in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Hours: Part-Time (25 hours per week) Salary: £22,737 – £23,893 per annum (pro-rata) Role description: As an Office and […]

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Celebrating Success at Clandeboye Primary School: TinyLearners Award Achieved!

| Fri Dec 2023

Clandeboye Primary School in Bangor has set a remarkable milestone by becoming the first school in North Down & Ards to successfully complete the TinyLife TinyLearners Award. This achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the school’s staff and their commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment. Through their unwavering efforts, […]

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New CEO appointed to TinyLife

| Wed Nov 2023

Joanne Morgan will be taking up the role of CEO for TinyLife, NI’s premature baby charity. Speaking about the appointment Laura McKeaveney, Chair of TinyLife said “we are delighted that Joanne will be leading our organisation as we continue to work to make sure that premature and sick babies get the best start in life […]

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Sponsorship Announcement: Start Solar UK & Ireland and NUGENT sponsor TinyLife Gala Ball.

| Fri Oct 2023

Today, we are thrilled to introduce our esteemed joint sponsors for the upcoming TinyLife 35th Anniversary Gala Ball: Start Solar UK & Ireland and Nugent. This year, TinyLife is proud to celebrate its month-long “Premvember” awareness-raising campaign throughout November, with the 35th Anniversary Gala Ball as the crowning jewel of this special month. The Gala […]

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The National Lottery Community Fund Northern Ireland

| Thu Oct 2023

TinyLife delighted to receive funding from The National Lottery Community Fund Northern Ireland to deliver our ‘TinyGym’ programme in the Northern Trust area. Premature babies and their parents engage in ‘TinyGym’ sessions, jointly led by TinyLife and neonatal physiotherapists, who support parents through educational and therapeutic sessions in a fun and relaxing environment. TinyGym sessions […]

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TinyLife 35th Anniversary Gala Ball

| Wed Oct 2023

Join Us for a Night to Remember T The excitement is building for the TinyLife 35th Anniversary Gala Ball at the prestigious Europa Hotel, Belfast. With over 50% of tables sold now is the time to book! Date: Friday, 17th November Venue: Europa Hotel, Belfast Theme: Black Tie, Gala Style On World Prematurity Day, let’s […]

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The Prof. JC Dornan Memorial Award 2023/24

| Tue Jul 2023

In honour of the life of our founder Professor James Dornan we are delighted to announce the second annual Prof. JC Dornan Memorial Award. As part of our ongoing commitment to improve the care for premature babies and their families in Northern Ireland through research and quality improvement initiatives, and in honour of our Founder […]

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TinyLife CEO Statement

| Thu Jul 2023

After 10 years as TinyLife CEO, our incredible leader, colleague and friend Alison McNulty, will step down from her role in September 2023. Joining the charity in 2013, Alison has developed, implemented and increased service provision across Northern Ireland, campaigned and lobbied, elevated the profile of the charity, all while keeping the needs of children born […]

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Northern Ireland Children’s Health Coalition’s call for a dedicated “Young Patients Fund

| Mon Jun 2023

Today we are proud to add our voice to The Northern Ireland Children’s Health Coalition’s call for a dedicated “Young Patients Fund” to help families cover the often insurmountable hidden costs of having a child in hospital. At an event at Stormont, attended by local families and MLAs, the NICHC launched dedicated research showing that […]

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How can you help TinyLife celebrate 35 years?

| Thu Mar 2023

💜💛 EVERY DAY COUNTS!! 💛💜 Help celebrate 35 years of TinyLife by taking part in our new #EveryDayCounts Fundraising challenge! 🚶🏼‍♀️🏃🏻‍♂️🚴🏼‍♀️🏊🏼‍♀️ 6 babies are born prematurely or sick in Northern Ireland each day and TinyLife are there to provide vital emotional and practical support services for baby and parents 💛 Every day counts for babies born […]

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FinTrU’s innovative new policy grants paid leave to new parents of babies born premature or sick.

| Thu Mar 2023

We were delighted that our CEO Alison McNulty had the opportunity to speak at FinTrU roundtable event recently, alongside Nuala Murphy from Diversity Mark. FinTrU’s innovative new policy grants paid leave to new parents of babies born premature or sick. This will provide vital support for families during a difficult and stressful time. If you’re […]

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Tinylife’s Big Push is back!

| Wed Mar 2023

Great news, TinyLife’s Big Push is back! Join us on on Sunday 21 May 2023 where you can Roll or Stroll around the beautiful paths of Stormont Estate. Register now for our Early Bird special discounted rate of just £6 per adult and kids go free: https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/TinyLifeBigPush2023 The TinyLife Big Push is a fun day out […]

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Team #TinyLadies, we need your help!

| Wed Mar 2023

TinyLife mums, daughters, grans, sisters, aunts, nieces, friends ,we need you to take part in the first ever Belfast City 10K and help raise vital funds for babies born too soon, too small and too sick  The first ever Women’s 10k takes place on Sunday 18th June at Belfast Titanic Quarter and by raising as little as £50 […]

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Lap the Lough for TinyLife!

| Wed Jan 2023

 Join #TeamTinyLife for this years Lap the Lough  Sign up for this years 89 mile cycle challenge around Lough Neagh whilst raising funds for Northern Ireland’s own premature baby charity  Registration for Lap the Lough 2023 has now opened  lapthelough.org Once you’ve registered email info@tinylife.org.uk and our team will be there to support you on your fundraising journey 

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TinyLife have released dates on the Europa Abseils for 2023!

| Wed Jan 2023

Are you a thrill seeker looking for a challenge Look no further we have just what you need! You could be abseiling down the Europa Hotel to help raise money for TinyLife to support premature babies and their families 23 April 21 May 11 June 10 September 8 October Registration is £35 pp & minimum sponsorship […]

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TinyLife are recruiting an Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer and the Board of TinyLife

| Tue Jan 2023

Are you passionate about working for and contributing to an organisation that makes a difference by supporting families with premature babies in your community?  Do you want to make a difference to the lives of others? If so, this might be the role for you. It’s more than just a job. TinyLife is NI’s premature […]

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Deferral of School Starting Age Request Forms

| Mon Jan 2023

Families of some children due to begin either Primary One or Pre-School in September 2023 can request to defer their child’s entry until September 2024 from tomorrow.   Deferral Request forms will be available from the Education Authority’s website on Tuesday 10 January.  Eligibility  Deferral of Primary One is available for children who were:  Born on […]

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TinyLife are holding spaces at the New York Marathon!

| Wed Dec 2022

Calling all runners! TinyLife now have spaces for the New York Marathon 2023! Take part in one of the worlds most famous running events in New York City on Sunday 5th November Our packages includes race entry, accommodation and optional flights! For more info https://www.tinylife.org.uk/event/nyc-marathon/

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TinyLife are recruiting an Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer and the Board of TinyLife

| Tue Oct 2022

To apply and for more information, visit https://www.tinylife.org.uk/about-us/vacancies/

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Start Solar become new charity partner

| Thu Jun 2022

TinyLife are thrilled to announce our new charity partnership with Start Solar UK & Ireland. Start Solar is a renewable energy – design and installation – company that specialises in a range of renewable energy solutions. Their mission is to ensure that solar energy becomes an affordable source of energy for every business and household. […]

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Contraflex become new charity partner

| Wed Jun 2022

TinyLife are delighted to announce our new charity partnership with Contraflex. Contraflex are friendly, flexible, local vehicle leasing specialists based in Dundonald who pride themselves on their excellent customer services. With over 20 years of trade experience within the heart of the community, the team are excited to be supporting TinyLife and raising much needed […]

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The Prof. JC Dornan Memorial Award 2022/23

| Tue Jun 2022

In honour of the life of our founder Professor James Dornan we are delighted to announce the Prof. JC Dornan Memorial Award. This award is to support research or quality improvement projects directly linked with the Mission and Vision of Tiny Life. Examples projects might be: Improve the quality of Neonatal careImprove premature birth survival […]

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TinyLife At Belfast City Marathon 2022: Team Tavern Story

| Wed May 2022

Following in our series of TinyLfe Marathon runner stories this year, we bring you the story of Team Tavern! Team Tavern who ran the marathon and raised a massive £2442.50 for TinyLife. Pictured below Troy who is so proud of his Mum and her friends. This is their story… “We chose to give support to […]

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Laurie-Ann Takes A Leap For TinyLife!

| Wed May 2022

On the 12th June this year we will see some incredibly brave people take a leap of faith for TinyLife! A 160-foot leap to be more precise, at the end of a bungee cord! One of those brave individuals is Laurie-Ann Lemon. Laurie-Ann is no stranger to TinyLife services. Having her own premature son, Lewis, […]

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NI Beef Shorthorn Club choose Tinylife as their Charity of the Year!

| Tue May 2022

Tinylife, Northern Irelands only charity that supports families of premature and/or sick babies were absolutely delighted when they were notified that the NI Beef Shorthorn Club had selected them as their charity for 2022. When club members Emmet McNulty’s daughter Joanne went into premature labour with her little boy Finn, they were appreciative of all […]

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TinyLife Belfast Marathon Heroes

| Tue May 2022

Sunday marked another successful Belfast City Marathon. With over 12 individuals running in aid of TinyLife, all with their own amazing stories. This week we want to bring you one of those incredible stories… Lesa Adair and her sister completed an 8-mile walk of the Marathon in aid of TinyLife. Lesa is mummy to two […]

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Abseil Success At Belfast Castle!

| Fri Mar 2022

We had an amazing time at Belfast Castle this month with our intrepid group of abseilers who felt the fear (and the wind!) but did it anyway! Our brave group abseiled an astonishing 400 feet, some dressed as superheroes, some in TinyLife uniform, all there to support our fantastic cause! This year we had the […]

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TinyLife Ambassador Proves A Knockout during Professional Debut!

| Tue Mar 2022

During his professional boxing debut, our newest TinyLife ambassador Kurt Walker knocked his opponent down with a thunderous left to the body in the first round, a shot he couldn’t get back up from. Speaking after the fight, Walker said: “I felt brilliant. “I knew to work him to the body, so the first 90 […]

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Samuel Johnston Baby Raise Big For TinyLife 

| Wed Feb 2022

Established in 1936, Samuel Johnston Baby, Mallusk has become one of the UK’s longest established and largest independent nursery retailers. Together with help from their customers, they have donated £630 to TinyLife, NI’s only premature and sick baby charity.  Marketing Manager, Donna McCullough, pictured here with Sarah Wilson from TinylIfe and Bella, the office pet, […]

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No Good Deed Goes Unrewarded for TinyLife at M&S

| Mon Feb 2022

‘’Little bits of magic follow Caden everywhere’’, an aphorism that has once again proven itself to be true for TinyLife ambassador Caden Coburn. In December at Marks & Spencers Sprucefield a form of magic conjured up a fantastical series of events that seem to have come straight out of the Hollywood movie playbook. Caden Coburn […]

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TinyLife Response To First Minister Resignation

| Fri Feb 2022

Yesterday Northern Ireland First Minister Paul Givan announced his resignation from Stormont’s powersharing Executive. The following is TinyLife CEO Alsion McNulty’s official response to this news… ”TinyLife are disappointed at the news that the First Minister Paul Givan has resigned and its potential political ramifications. Especially as have worked so hard to get key decisions on […]

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TinyLife Ambassador Kurt Walker Makes a Splash!

| Fri Feb 2022

TinyLife, the premature baby charity makes a splash as Kurt Walker, Northern Ireland’s latest professional boxer becomes an ambassador to help raise awareness of premature birth & vital funds for the charity.  The charity provides a wide range of support services for families of premature and sick babies who start life in a neonatal unit, […]

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Parent Spotlight: Harpers Heroes

| Mon Jan 2022

This week we bring you the amazing story of Teegan Greer and her partner Jonny McComb who raised an incredible £800 for TinyLife and the neonatal unit at Ulster Hospital after their own premature baby experience! Teegans Story From the end of August until mid-November I set myself the challenge of a daily dunk to […]

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Update: Deferred School Starting Age

| Thu Jan 2022

Thank you Thank you to everyone who submitted a response to the consultation around the deferred school starting age. There has been overwhelming support for a move to allow some children to delay starting school for a year. Listen to our CEO Alison McNulty discuss the outcome of the report on U105 below.  The change […]

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Consultation on Flexible School Starting

| Tue Nov 2021

What’s Happening? School starting age in Northern Ireland currently depends on when a child’s 4th birthday falls. Children who turn 4 on or before 1st July start school at the beginning of September that same year. Children turning 4 on or after 2nd July start school the following year when they are 5 years old. […]

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Unicorn Family Fun Day

| Thu Aug 2021

Family Fun in the sun for TinyLife! A Saturday afternoon in July saw lots of fun in the sun as TinyLife hosted their first live fundraising event in over a year. Meeting outside at V36 Playpark in Newtownabbey, families came dressed as unicorns to meet real life unicorns Tully and Chip and also Tiny, the […]

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Flexible School Starting Age

| Mon Jul 2021

Inflexible and unjustified – the description of Northern Ireland’s legislation on the school starting age by a High Court Judge. He said ‘the system doesn’t allow the authorities to act in the best interests of every child. To read the full article, click here  We hope the ruling will put pressure on the Education Minister, […]

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Save the Date

| Thu Jul 2021

Save the Date – Monday 11th October 2021 from 9 am – 1pm TinyLife’s CEO will be speaking at the Policy Forum for Northern Ireland Meeting –                                                          […]

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TinyLife President & Founding Member Prof James Dornan

| Mon Mar 2021

The Board of Trustees and staff of TinyLife are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our esteemed President and founding member of TinyLife, Professor James Dornan, his inspirational and ground breaking work has impacted the lives of babies and families worldwide.  Professor Dornan will be remembered fondly as a warm hearted, fun loving […]

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Delayed School Starting

| Tue Feb 2021

TinyLife Welcomes Delayed School Starting Northern Ireland’s premature baby charity, TinyLife welcomes Education Minster, Peter Weir’s announcement that he intends to bring forward a draft bill  to legislate for some children born prematurely, especially those  who are ‘summer born’,   to benefit from delayed school starting. Being born prematurely could  mean that some children may actually […]

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Does the Carers & Direct Payments Act go far enough?

| Wed Jan 2021

Carers NI invites you to their first online engagement event with Mervyn Storey MLA on his proposed Private Members Bill to enhance the Carers and Direct Payments Act (2002) : Wednesday 20th January 2021 at 10am – 11.30 am. To register your interest please contact geraldine.green@carersni.org    

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Covid-19 – A Parent’s Perspective

| Thu Oct 2020

Are you a parent of a sick or preterm baby that was born during the Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic?   Are you a parent of a sick or preterm baby that was born during the Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic? Then we kindly ask you to participate in our survey, which is available in multiple languages: https://de.surveymonkey.com/r/NewbornCov19 The global study […]

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Covid-19 – A message from our CEO Alison McNulty

| Mon Oct 2020

TinyLife CEO Alison McNulty shares her experience of leading the TinyLife team and the challenges the charity faces due to Covid 19. The Leaders Council of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is currently in the process of talking to leadership figures from across the nation in an attempt to understand this universal trait and what […]

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TinyLife Parents Survey Now Open!

| Mon Aug 2020

If you are parent who has used TinyLife Services in the past or presently,  we want to hear from you! With the unexpected events surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent ‘lockdown’, TinyLife had to suspend all face to face services and change the way support to families of premature and sick babies was provided […]

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Volunteer Driver Vacancies

| Mon Aug 2020

We are looking for Volunteer Car drivers across Northern Ireland to transport medical equipment for mums of premature babies. TinyLife operates a Breast Pump loan service with a fleet of around 120 hospital grade breast pumps that can be loaned to mums of premature and sick babies in neonatal units across Northern Ireland. These pumps […]

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Neo Natal Service Under Pressure in NI

| Tue Jul 2020

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It’s Not a Game Report – TinyLife & Bliss

| Tue Jul 2020

17071_Bliss_Northern_Ireland_Baby_Report_AW_LR_Single_Pages

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TinyLife Services translated in Polish

| Tue Jul 2020

TinyLife Family Support Polish

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TinyLife Services translated in Mandarin

| Tue Jul 2020

TinyLife Family Support Mandarin 11.58.25

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TinyLife Services translated in Lithuanian

| Tue Jul 2020

TinyLife Family Support Lithuanian

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Thank you Henderson Spar for a Community Cashback Grant

| Tue Jun 2020

Thanks to Henderson Spar who held an online vote for the opportunity to win a Community Cashback Grant – our devoted supporters helped TinyLife scoop the first prize of £2,000. The funds will be used to purchase 100 breast pump kits allowing us to support 50 families who have had a premature baby.

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Baby Michael MacHugh inspires his Uncle to shave his lock down locks for TinyLife

| Tue Jun 2020

 Premature Baby 15 weeks early inspires Head Shave for TinyLife   Baby Michael Mac Hugh from Derry/L’derry shocked his mum Sara & dad Conall by arriving 15 weeks early.          Michael on the day he was born and now at 21 weeks old. Mum Sara explains ‘ Our son Michael Douglas Mac Hugh was born on 16th January 2020 at 25 […]

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Research – Premmie PAPAs Project

| Tue Jun 2020

Preemie PAPAs Project: RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY: The University of Queensland in Australia is seeking preemie DADS for the Preemie PAPAs Project! If you are the DAD of a preemie who is now 0-18 years old, please share your experiences to help understand the wellbeing and parenting experiences of fathers following preterm birth: https://exp.psy.uq.edu.au/preemiepapas. If you are interested […]

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Research Project – The FAB Study!

| Tue Jun 2020

RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY: The University of Queensland in Australia is seeking preemie PARENTS for the FAB Study! If you are the parent of a preemie who is now 0-18 years old, please share your experiences to help understand the factors that promote resilience to stress in family units following preterm birth: https://exp.psy.uq.edu.au/fab. If you are interested in […]

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Dowds Group Virtual 555 Challenge

| Tue Jun 2020

Congratulations to the 69 employees from Dowds Group who took part in their lock down 555 mile challenge, covering the distance between their Ballymoney, Belfast and London offices. Dowds employees were split into teams of 4, they raced to the finish line by walking, running or cycling. As the miles clocked up, so did the donations. This […]

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Longbridge Drinks Company supports TinyLife

| Thu May 2020

For the past few years TinyLife has enjoyed the support of the Longbridge Drinks Company, they had planned to support our Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea event in Parliament Buildings but sadly Covid 19 restrictions forced us to cancel the event.   However, big hearted Wayne spotted our appeal for support in the Sunday Life Newspaper and […]

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TinyLife Parent Advisory Group

| Wed Sep 2019

TinyLife wishes to recruit a team of parents who have had a premature baby or their baby has required special or intensive care at birth to set up a Regional Parent Advisory Group (PAG). What will the PAG do? Parents will help us to; Review our current services Develop new services; Have an input into research […]

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TinyLife & Bliss Call to Action – Have your say

| Wed Sep 2019

TinyLife & Bliss Call to Action – Have your say on the Government consultation on Neonatal Leave & pay entitlements for parents.  Help shape Neonatal Leave and Pay entitlement for parents  We are one step closer to parents having more flexibility when their baby or babies are born needing neonatal care. The Government is considering […]

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