Generous Norfolk volunteers have played a key role in making health clinics for newborns even more baby-friendly after donating 40 handmade quilts to help create a home-from-home atmosphere.

The Project Linus group, who give up their own time to make themed quilts for children aged up to 19 who are bereaved, traumatised or using hospitals and other healthcare facilities, have donated the colourful creations to Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust (NCH&C).

They are now being used to cover the floors at the Trust’s new-look ‘Baby Days’ sessions, and provide the Health Visitors, parents and newborns with a comfortable place to sit and interact as each baby’s weight is checked and advice given on health promotion and development.

Wendy Simpson, Community Children’s Services Team Leader (North Locality) with NCH&C, came up with the idea after seeing the quilters’ work in her previous job as a paediatric nurse. She was delighted when the group said they would be able to help.

“We have recently redesigned our baby clinics, and wanted to make them as relaxed, homely and welcoming as possible, with the activities taking place informally with everyone sitting on the floor,” said Wendy. “To do this, we needed appropriate floor coverings – and were delighted that the quilters supporting Project Linus in Norfolk were able to help.

“So far, they have given us 40 beautiful padded quilts, which are adorned with lovely, colourful and child-friendly designs, such as alphabets, animals and nursery rhymes. These have been really well-received by everyone coming to the Baby Days sessions. We are so grateful to the group for not only giving up their time to make the quilts, but also raising money to buy the materials beforehand.

“The quilts are already making a huge difference, and are helping both mums and babies to relax by providing a stress-free, welcoming environment.

“We would like to extend our thanks to all of the skilled quilters within the Project Linus group for playing such a key part in helping further improve our health promotion sessions and ensuring babies get the best possible start in life.”

The quilts are now being used at sessions in Spixworth and Sprowston, Downham Market, Kings Lynn, Sheringham and Fakenham. It is hoped the group will be able to donate further quilts in the future so they can be used across the entire area served by NCH&C.

Jane Lond-Caulk, one of Norfolk’s Project Linus Coordinators, said: “We are very grateful to all of our quilters, who give up their time to make quilts for bereaved, traumatised and seriously ill children and young people up to the age of 19.

“We find it very rewarding and try to help whenever we are asked, and were pleased that we could provide Wendy with 40 quilts to create a friendly atmosphere when babies are being weighed.

“We rely on donations and fundraising to allow us to buy materials, cotton and wadding. Our volunteers really enjoy making the quilts and being given the opportunity to do something to benefit young people who need support.”

Anyone who would like to donate fabric or funds to Project Linus should email [email protected] for more information. The group is also keen to hear from anyone who may be able to help make quilts for older teenage boys.

www.norfolkcommunityhealthandcare.nhs.uk

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