NIMBA provides a range of support services for families throughout Northern Ireland who have experienced the birth of a baby or babies who require intensive or special care at birth.

Over 2000 babies are admitted to neo-natal units in Northern Ireland each year and many parents face a rollercoaster experience watching their baby/babies fight for life.

The assistance of volunteers is crucial to all NIMBA's activities and there are opportunities available to anyone over the age of 16 to offer their time. Full training and support is available to volunteers and there is currently a need for volunteers to participate in fundraising, administration and support service activities. Contact NIMBA's volunteer co-ordinator for further details.

In partnership with parents over recent years NIMBA have developed six main areas of support service activity. Further information on any of the services can be obtained by contacting NIMBA by email, phone or post.

Breast Pump Loan Service

A free service for mums of babies needing Special or Intensive Care which provides a range of electric and manual pumps. This service is available throughout Northern Ireland.

Resource Library

NIMBA provides a free loan service of a range of books, and videos for parents and brothers and sisters of babies needing special care. All of the titles have been chosen especially for families experiencing this situation. The resource library is based at NIMBA's head office, Hope House.

Time-Out

This developing service is available in certain areas of Northern Ireland and provides a home visit for families who are experiencing difficulties following the discharge home from hospital of a baby or babies who have needed special or intensive care. NIMBA staff and trained volunteers provide this service.

Travel Grants

This is a new service developed by NIMBA and is available by referral only from Health Professionals.

A limited number of grants are available to parents of a baby or babies admitted to any Neonatal Unit within Northern Ireland and when the hospital stay exceeds 21 days from the date of birth. Other criteria may also apply.

Smalltalk Activities

NIMBA's Smalltalk activities provide a support group for parents who have experienced the birth of a baby/babies requiring special or intensive care at present or in the past. Smalltalk is an opportunity for parents to meet others with a similar experience in Hope House to have a coffee, chat and discuss relevant issues.

Check out the events page for details of the next meeting.