Tinylife need your help!

TinyLife have launched a volunteer recruitment campaign in the South Down area - Saintfield , Ballynahinch, Downpatrick, Newcastle, Castlewellan, Kilkeel Newry, Hilltown, Rostrevor, Warrenpoint and Rathfriland.

They are very short of volunteers in this area and several families from there have not been able to benefit from the help of a home support volunteer as there was no one to place with them. This is frustrating for TinyLife and disappointing for the families who often see the home support service as a "life line" as the family story below states very clearly.

"Our son Bryn came home weighing 4lb and was just three weeks old (when he would have been less than 34 weeks in gestation if he hadn't been born). The first week at home was great. Then the real problems started, we spent some more time in hospital, without any joy. Our little boy couldn't be put down, couldn't lie on his back, didn't and still doesn't sleep, feeding was hard and constant work and he'd scream in pain. This sent most people running as far away from us as they could. Ian's family are elderly and over a 40 minute journey away. I moved here from Wales so I've no family over in Northern Ireland. We were isolated. Then I got in touch with Tiny Life, who came out and instead of running away when Bryn was screaming in pain, stayed and helped. Our volunteer is called Joan, she is like another Grandmother to Bryn and has given both Ian and I so much support in so many ways, practical support, emotional support and every week something to look forward to. Bryn's problems where eventually diagnosed, treated and now managed, he is a joy to be around. However he has Cerebral Palsy, having Joan's help as he grows older has helped him with his confidence, which is helping him achieve his full potential. There was one month that we didn't see Joan and his confidence just dropped. Joan gives Bryn, through one to one, all that we can't. It is wonderful to see.

While they are playing or Joan takes him for a walk, I can get on with other important things like cooking meals for the week or even catching up on some sleep. I have no idea how we would have coped if it wasn't for Tiny Life's support. We can't say a big enough thank you".

All TinyLife ask is that you have a genuine interest in working with small children and their families and a caring personality. You do not need to be a parent yourself and full training will be given to prepare you for your role as a TinyLife Volunteer. Young or old, or anywhere in between

If you have some time to spare and could help out a family in need TinyLife would love to hear from you.

Contact Catherine at 02890815050 or e mail catherine@tinylife.org.uk and an information pack will be sent out to you.