Campaign for change

The time babies spend on a neonatal unit and the care they receive are vital to determining their long-term development.

Bliss is proud to have been the voice of babies born premature or sick for over 45 years, and this work is more important than ever. Data shows that there are stark differences in neonatal outcomes for Black and Asian babies and babies from socio-economically deprived backgrounds, as well as persistent variations in care and experiences across the UK.  

Bliss will work with politicians, researchers and decision-makers at all levels to ensure that the needs of every baby are reflected in policy decisions, and that we continue to amplify parent voices and perspectives from across the neonatal community to ensure that every parent is able to be a partner in their baby’s care. 

Over the next four years, we will:

• Speak up on behalf of babies to ensure that neonatal care has the investment it needs to deliver safe, high-quality care for every baby  
• Map out the national picture on neonatal inequalities as a basis for identifying policy solutions and areas for action; and use this to shape future policy and services priorities throughout this strategy period and beyond  
• Champion the rollout of Neonatal Care Leave and Pay among parents, health professionals and employers to maximise take-up, advocate for equivalent provision for those not yet eligible, and encourage more employers to offer enhanced financial provision to their employees  
• Involve a range of parents in all aspects of our work to ensure that minoritised experiences are heard and help to drive more equitable experiences of parent partnership in care
• Amplify Bliss’ voice to better represent and reflect different audiences, putting equity at the heart of the language and imagery we use.