Bliss to change services to better meet parents' needs

Bliss will be closing the telephone part of its helpline at the end of January while the charity works with parents to evolve the service into something that better meets their needs.

Bliss recently conducted research that indicated that changes were required to the way it offers support to the parents of premature and sick babies in order to reach them at their time of need.

As the internet and social media develop, parents are looking to engage with support services in a number of different ways. Visits to the 'parent' section of the website have increased by approximately 10% in the last six months alone, suggesting more parents are finding the information and support they need online. In contrast, a review of the telephone helpline found that calls have reduced by 80% since April 2016.

Over the coming months, with the help of parents and volunteers, Bliss will be researching the best methods of supporting parents with a baby in neonatal care.

Families looking for information and support can still contact the helpline via hello@bliss.org.uk and can find a wealth of information and support on the parent pages of the Bliss website. Many parents can access support via a Bliss Champion on their neonatal unit. Others can find a supportive community of parents on Bliss' Facebook page and the Bliss and Netmums Forum.