Spoons Charity

Spoons Charity Supporting families experiencing neonatal care in Greater Manchester

Our aim is to holistically support families who experience neonatal care in the Greater Manchester area. Through the provision of peer to peer support, signposting, financial support or trauma therapy, we help families to navigate their journey from admission to the neonatal unit and beyond.

Behind every volunteer is a reason they chose to give their time. For Sarah, that reason was personal.Sarah first found ...
02/06/2026

Behind every volunteer is a reason they chose to give their time. For Sarah, that reason was personal.

Sarah first found out about Spoons the day after her daughter Lucie was born at 31+4 weeks, weighing just 2.4lb. A volunteer gave her husband a Spoons bag containing information, milestone cards and an incubator octopus.

"It was a very thoughtful touch during an overwhelming time and made me aware of the support available."

Over the months that followed, Sarah accessed support through Spoons, including community groups and trauma therapy.

Today, she's one of our Spoons Neonatal Advisory Panel (SNAP) volunteers. SNAP brings together parents with lived experience of neonatal care to help shape and improve services for babies and families, ensuring parent voices are heard where they matter most.

Sarah shared why volunteering is important to her:

"I chose to volunteer to give something back. It was a way I felt comfortable giving back to a charity that helped me and my family."

This Volunteers' Week, we're celebrating Sarah, our SNAP volunteers, and all the volunteers who give their time, compassion and experience to support families and help drive positive change for babies born premature or sick.

Thank you for everything you do. 💙

Team Spoons, you absolutely smashed it at the Great Manchester Run! It was an unforgettable day and you truly 'paved' th...
01/06/2026

Team Spoons, you absolutely smashed it at the Great Manchester Run! It was an unforgettable day and you truly 'paved' the way for success with every stride.

Big shout-out and thanks to our dedicated supporters, William James Recruitment, for hosting another brilliant race reception. Check out the stunning photos from the day! 💙

Feeling inspired? Be a part of our amazing community of runners for an unmissable day out at the Great Manchester Run 2027. Next year's date has been released. Register your interest now to secure your very own place with Spoons for the event on 23 May 2027. 🏅

Register here: https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/GreatManchesterRun2027

Ready, set, Spoons!Most of our Team Spoons runners are now out on the course at the Great Manchester Run, taking on an i...
31/05/2026

Ready, set, Spoons!

Most of our Team Spoons runners are now out on the course at the Great Manchester Run, taking on an incredible challenge in support of families supported by Spoons.

Good luck, Team Spoons. We’ll be cheering you on all the way to the finish! 💙

It’s RACE DAY for the Great Manchester Run! We're here at William James Recruitment ready to welcome our supporters in ...
31/05/2026

It’s RACE DAY for the Great Manchester Run!

We're here at William James Recruitment ready to welcome our supporters in for an incredible day.

Let's make some noise for Team Spoons! 💙

Coming up in JuneTake a look at our community groups coming up this June. Find out what’s on and book on to one of our w...
28/05/2026

Coming up in June

Take a look at our community groups coming up this June. Find out what’s on and book on to one of our welcoming groups held across Greater Manchester.

Monday
• Baby Sensory Play in Middleton, 12pm–1.45pm (8 June)
• Baby Sensory Play in Bolton, 10.30am–12.15pm (15 June)
• Baby Sensory Play in Stockport, 10.15am–11.45am (22 June)

Tuesday
• Baby Massage in Wythenshawe, 10.30am–11.30am (2, 9, 16 June)
• Baby Weaning in Middleton, 11am–1pm (9 June)

Wednesday
• Baby Massage in Middleton, 10am–11am (3, 10 June)
• Babble n Bounce in Middleton, 11.45am–12.45pm (3, 10 June)

Friday
• Little Cruisers in South Manchester, 10.30am–12.30pm (5 June)

Whether you’re looking to connect with other families, join a welcoming group, or enjoy some time out with your little one, we’d love to see you there.

Book on to one of our groups here: https://spoons.org.uk/communitygroups/

If you have any questions, email [email protected].

💙

When Lauren and Mitchell’s son Lucas arrived unexpectedly at 32+2 weeks, life changed in an instant. What followed was a...
27/05/2026

When Lauren and Mitchell’s son Lucas arrived unexpectedly at 32+2 weeks, life changed in an instant. What followed was a long and emotional NICU journey, filled with uncertainty, loneliness and challenges they never imagined facing as first-time parents. During the first few weeks of his life, Lucas experienced challenges with both breathing and feeding.

After speaking with our Family Support Coordinator, Aimee, Lauren said she felt truly understood for the first time. Attending Spoons community groups and connecting with other families who had experienced neonatal care became an important part of the family’s journey.

Lauren said:

“I tried to attend a ‘normal’ sensory class for babies but I struggled with the comments and questions about Lucas’ size and weight, and found I felt misunderstood and although I’m sure it wasn’t intentional, I didn’t like the attention surrounding Lucas’ prematurity.

“Spoons helped support us many times throughout Lucas’ life and has never asked for anything in return. To have a charity so passionate about helping families in Manchester who have experienced the NICU and put so much time, care, thought and dedication into the help and support they provide is invaluable. I really believe I wouldn’t be the mother I am today without their help.”

Lucas is now five years old and has been inspired by watching his parents take on the Great Manchester Run over the years. This year, after Mitchell announced he would be taking on the Half Marathon, Lucas was incredibly proud.

“He told everyone in his class that we were running to help the babies in the hospital!”

Inspired by his parents, Lucas is now taking on his own race at the Mini Great Manchester Run.

Lauren shared:

“He was set that he wanted to run his ‘marathon’ to help the babies. He’s so excited and can’t wait to wear his Spoons t-shirt!”

Show Lucas your support by donating to his fundraising page and helping Spoons continue being there for families when they need it most. 💙

https://www.justgiving.com/page/mitchell-ward-4

Have you noticed something new? We’re so excited to share a new collection of images that capture the everyday heart of ...
26/05/2026

Have you noticed something new?

We’re so excited to share a new collection of images that capture the everyday heart of Spoons and the people, moments and connections that make our community so special.

A heartfelt thank you to Sean McCrossan from The Published Image, who has been a dedicated photographer for Spoons for many years. From capturing precious moments with our families, to our support groups and Great Manchester Run events, Sean has helped bring the story of Spoons to life, and we’re so grateful for his continued support.

Take a moment to scroll through the images and see some of our familiar faces. 💙

Join us for the Baby Sensory Play sessions, a welcoming space for little ones to explore, play and enjoy sensory activit...
21/05/2026

Join us for the Baby Sensory Play sessions, a welcoming space for little ones to explore, play and enjoy sensory activities, while parents and carers connect with others who understand the journey of neonatal care.

At Spoons, we know that parents are so often focused on caring for everyone else, which is why these sessions are not just for babies, but for you too. Alongside fun, engaging sensory play for your little one, we’ll have a hot drink and toast ready for parents, giving you a chance to pause, chat and take a little time to look after yourself.

Whether you’re joining us for connection, support, or simply a fun morning out with your baby, we’d love to welcome you.

June sessions:

• Middleton on 8th June, at 12.00pm–1.45pm
• Bolton on 15th June, at 10.30am–12.15pm
• Stockport on 22nd June, at 10.15am–11.45am

To book, or for more information about Baby Sensory Play, contact [email protected].

Take a look at our groups here: https://spoons.org.uk/communitygroups/

For many parents and families, looking after your mental health can feel impossible when so much of your energy is spent...
15/05/2026

For many parents and families, looking after your mental health can feel impossible when so much of your energy is spent looking after everyone else. Mental Health Awareness Week is a reminder that you matter too.

There are so many experiences that can leave families carrying more than most people see. Stress, anxiety, exhaustion, grief and trauma can hit the hardest during and after a NICU experience.

A lot of parents tell us they don’t always feel able to say they’re struggling. Sometimes there’s guilt in admitting things feel heavy, or pressure to appear strong for the people around them.

But your mental health matters too.

At Spoons, we see how much it can help to speak with people who are there to listen and who truly understand. No family should feel like they have to carry everything on their own.

This Mental Health Awareness Week, we want parents and families to know that it’s okay to need support too. Whether you need practical help, a listening ear or just a space where you can feel understood, we’re here for you. 💙

At the H.I.E. conference today, we had the privilege of hearing from Nicolas Hamilton, racing driver, public speaker and...
14/05/2026

At the H.I.E. conference today, we had the privilege of hearing from Nicolas Hamilton, racing driver, public speaker and disability advocate, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy after being born with H.I.E.

Nicolas said:

“I met a guy a couple of years ago who has a daughter with the same disability as me. It was about three years ago, and he was given the same information that my parents were given 34 years ago. I feel like things have not really moved on in terms of doctors giving parents hope, power and strength.

“Every parent needs some sort of support somewhere.”

Nicolas also spoke about his parents’ experience:

“My advice would be to try to make sure that new parents with newborns or disabilities are not alone in the journey. They're alone in the start of the journey, they've been alone in the middle of the journey.

“I think parents not being alone at the start or any part of their journey, is what's needed.”

At Spoons, we hear all too often that families feel alone after a NICU experience. We also know that support, understanding and simply having someone there to listen can make a real difference.

No parent should feel like they have to navigate these experiences alone.

To speak with Spoons and find out how our team can support you, email us at [email protected], call 0300 365 0363, or complete the Parent Registration form: https://spoons.org.uk/parent-registration/

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Manchester
M241AG

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