Premature baby charity scoops prestigious award

A charity set up to support premature babies and their families after neonatal care has won a special award thanks to support from the University of Leicester. 

The Smallest Things charity, led entirely by parents of children born prematurely, scooped the ‘Outstanding Team’ category at the British Association of Perinatal Medicine (BAPM) awards last week (18 September) which recognises outstanding contributions in perinatal care.

The winning team of volunteer Ambassadors has been supported by funding from the University, who work together with the charity to improve longterm outcomes for children born prematurely.

Professor Samantha Johnson, developmental psychologist and Professor of Child Development at the University of Leicester, explains: “The Smallest Things is a long-standing partner of the University. We are proud to work together with the charity to improve school support for premature babies and their families. This includes our free evidence-based online training developed by the PRISM (Premature Infants’ Skills in Mathematics) Study Team which outlines the impact premature birth can have on a child’s development and learning and offers practical ways that schools and early years settings can support premature children if they need it.”

Through this, The Smallest Things charity has introduced its Prem Aware Award – given to schools and early years settings who have undertaken the training and made changes to the way in which they support children born prematurely. This award recognises the wonderful work that the charity’s Ambassadors do to promote the Prem Aware Award and improve support for children and families. 

Professor Johnson added: “We’re absolutely delighted that the hard work of the team has scooped this amazing award. It’s thoroughly deserving and we hope it helps to highlight even further just how important The Smallest Things’ work to support premature babies and their families is.” 

Catriona Ogilvy, Founder and Director of Policy, Campaigns and Research, The Smallest Things said: “The Smallest Things is delighted that our exceptional team of volunteer ambassadors have been named winners of the ‘Outstanding Team’ category at this year’s British Association of Perinatal Medicine (BAPM) Gopi Menon Awards. To be recognised in this way is testament to their hard work and commitment to raising awareness, changing practice, and helping to ensure thousands of children born prematurely are supported to reach their full potential each year. 

“We understand the ongoing journey for families and children born prematurely, and we look forward to continuing to work closely with the University of Leicester to help to put research and evidence-based recourses into practice through our Prem Aware scheme.”

Kate Dinwiddy, Chief Executive of the British Association of Perinatal Medicine, said: "The BAPM awards recognise contributions in perinatal care for those that go above and beyond for babies and families. They celebrate those demonstrating excellence and making a difference in big and small ways. Congratulations to the Smallest Things Team for winning the Outstanding Team Award this year among so many wonderful entries."