Local woman publishes book dedicated to helping families facing challenges in Neonatal Intensive Care Units

A BALLYMAGORRY woman, inspired by her time as a nurse in the Neonatal Unit at Attnagelvin Hospital, has written a beautiful book to help support parents when they need it most.

Belle Stevenson created 'One Day at a Time' after witnessing first hand the emotional struggles of parents with babies in Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU).

Her work as a student nurse at Ulster University earned her the Royal College of Nursing Gabrielle Durkan Award in 2022, which inspired her to develop specialised mental health resources for NICU parents including an innovative book written from the babies’ perspective.

Written by herself using clinical knowledge and a compassionate approach and designed by her daughter, it comes with a little hand-held teddy called 'Awhi' (which means hugs in Maoiri) who who is the character in the book, a little worry stone in the shape of a heart and a little card to reassure and comfort and let parents know that they matter too.

“We help families build resilience, strengthen bonds and promote mental wellness for both parents and children," Belle said.

The packs are a welcome support to parents with babies in neonatal care and are given free of charge to those who need it.

Every Neonatal Unit in Northern Ireland has been given a supply of these packs.

Belle relies hugely on fundraising now to continue these efforts, as she used the bursary from the award to print the first 100 copies and then poured her own savings into it after that, which was not sustainable.

Belle hopes to continue these endeavours throughout the North West and beyond but to do so she relies solely on funding and donations.

Community funding is essential for this support service to continue and donations are welcome via the website - https://nicuandyou.co.uk

Fundraisers have taken place in the North West to continue these efforts, including in Burndennett, Glenmornan, Waterside, Omagh, Strabane, and the a recent being the event at Oakfield Park, Raphoe, followed by the Teddy Bears Picnic at The Rectory in Ballymagorry which was organised by Rev Andrea Cotter.

Belle has now given approximately 700 packs to Neonatal Units not just in Northern Ireland but also to Letterkenny, Sligo, Canada, USA and New Zealand.

Any fundraising events are advertised via the Facebook page - One Day at a Time.

Belle is always looking for volunteers or suggestions on future fundraisers.

Email: belle@nicuandyou.co.uk