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Back in 2019 the Neonatal Unit at Heartlands Hospital launched the Beads of Courage scheme, seeing newborn babies receive a bead for each milestone that they reach whilst on the unit.

Originally developed for children undergoing cancer treatment, the Beads of Courage scheme, funded by Heartlands and Good Hope hospitals charity, has been adapted for neonatal care, honouring the incredible strength and resilience of premature and unwell babies and their families. Each bead represents a significant moment in a baby’s neonatal journey, such as a medical procedure, overnight stay, or milestone moment like their first skin-to-skin cuddle. These brightly coloured beads come together to tell a deeply personal story.

Talking about the scheme, Laura Wheeler, Family Integrated Care Lead at Heartlands Hospital said: “It turns what is quite a traumatic time into something that’s actually quite beautiful. Parents look back years later and see a tangible record of their child’s bravery and strength and can celebrate how far they have come.”

Families are given a tracking card and supported weekly by the unit’s Family Support Workers, who ensure each bead accurately reflects the baby’s care journey. Whether it's a cooling treatment, nutritional milestone, or even parental education, every detail matters and every bead counts.

Laura added: “For families, the beads offer a sense of control and memory-making during a difficult time. For our staff, it's a rewarding way to see progress and forge stronger connections with the babies and their families.”

Amy Gibbs’ daughter, Alyssa was born prematurely at Heartlands Hospital. Reflecting on the Beads of Courage scheme she said: “Alyssa was born at just 31 weeks and spent five weeks in the Neonatal Unit; it was an overwhelming and emotional time. The Beads of Courage helped me make sense of everything she was going through. 

“Each bead marks a milestone and seeing them all together shows just how far she’s come. It’s a beautiful way to recognise her strength and resilience, she’s such a fighter. I’d never heard of the scheme before, but it’s incredible. I’m going to hang her beads in her room so we can always look back and be proud of her journey.”

The programme has been made possible by funding from the Heartlands Hospital Charity and Good Hope Hospital Charity, and there are hopes to expand the initiative into the paediatric unit in the future as many neonatal patients go on to receive long-term care.

Charlotte Schofield, Director of Fundraising at Heartlands Hospital Charity, said; “Beads of Courage are a great way for parents to have as a tangible representation of just how far their little one has come. Each individual bead is undeniable evidence that reassures parents in the hard and dark times that there is light at the end of the tunnel and not to give up hope.

“I am incredibly proud that we as a charity are able to support this amazing initiative and make sure that the families of our littlest and most vulnerable patients are also cared for and looked after when they need it most.”

To support the Beads of Courage scheme or to donate visit: https://hospitalcharity.org/appeals/newborns-in-need