Neonatal Staff Support Padlet June 2026 by

Supporting Conversations Between Staff and Families

NeoLeaP — 2026-07-03 06:38:51 UTC

This resource speaks to those times when there are difficulties conversations to be had with families - when trust feels precarious and tension or conflict can build.

It introduces some key principles for how to stay connected with families in these circumstances, helping them feel heard and keeping communication open and compassionate.

Language Matters

NeoLeaP — 2026-07-03 06:38:51 UTC

Link to broader mental health resource

NeoLeaP — 2026-07-03 06:38:51 UTC

Quick tools to feel OK

NeoLeaP — 2026-07-03 06:38:51 UTC

Compassionate Mind Resources to support staff

NeoLeaP — 2026-07-03 06:38:51 UTC

This resource was created with neonatal staff in mind, to introduce the Compassionate Mind Approach and to share some practices to help cultivate a sense of soothing and safeness in the context of high threat. There are a series of modules that introduce the principles of the model and then the last section has a series of different practices to explore

Looking after yourself after difficult conversations with families

NeoLeaP — 2026-07-03 06:38:51 UTC

We know how much it can take out of you to have difficult conversations with families, especially if you are feeling a bit depleted yourself by the relentlessness of work. There are some tools for how to hold the conversation in other sections - but this is a reminder to take care of yourself both in the conversations themselves, and beyond.

Feedback

NeoLeaP — 2026-07-03 06:38:51 UTC

We would really appreciate your feedback on this resource and how we might further develop it - please do share via this short form

Aims of this resource

NeoLeaP — 2026-07-03 06:38:51 UTC

A note on the current context

NeoLeaP — 2026-07-03 06:38:51 UTC

Inquries and reports including Ockenden (2022 and 2026), Amos (June 26), and Thirlwall (due Autumn 26) have shone a difficult light on maternity and neonatal care in England. Many staff working in these services will be affected by the findings — whether because they worked in named organisations, recognise the systemic pressures described, or are navigating the expectations of inquiry-driven change while continuing to deliver care. If this is you, your response is legitimate and your need for support is real.

This resource is intended to support neonatal staff with both their own wellbeing and in their task to hold and support families in these contexts.

It is not a replacement for formal support, but we hope you find it helpful.

It is organised by topic, and you can open any of the resources by clicking the titles.

Giving Staff a Space to Think

NeoLeaP — 2026-07-03 06:38:51 UTC

It can be really important to decompress after a difficult event, and come together to take care of each other. However, reliving traumatic events can also carry risks of retraumatisation. This resource gives some tips for bringing people together safely to connect and acknowledge what's hard.

When the work hurts

NeoLeaP — 2026-07-03 06:38:51 UTC

The work of neonatal care is emotionally intense in itself. But when there are times of increased scrutiny, stretched resources, differing priorities and fear or conflict with families or within teams, this can have a profound effect.

This doesn't mean you're 'doing it wrong', or that you're 'not cut out for this work'. Rather, it's a sign that you are deeply attuned to what's happening in the work - which is a huge strength - but that it is coming at a cost. This resource talks you through some of what we see, how we can make sense of it, and what might help us to take care of better care ourselves and each other.

Communicating with parents through difficult emotions

NeoLeaP — 2026-07-03 06:38:51 UTC

This resource gives examples of how you can communicate with parents in situations where emotions are running high. It gives you a framework for areas to consider, and specific examples of the types of questions you might find helpful.

Supporting Parents in Distress

NeoLeaP — 2026-07-03 06:38:51 UTC

This resource gives an overview of some of the key principles to bear in mind when supporting parents who are acutely distressed.

Holding Space and Containment

NeoLeaP — 2026-07-03 06:38:51 UTC

Sometimes we really want to fix- there are times when we can do this, and others when it's just not possible. For those moments, it's important to be alongside families. We think this short video is a helpful frame.

Coping with difficult events

NeoLeaP — 2026-07-03 06:38:51 UTC

This post mirrors the one for communicating with parents in difficult times. There are some key anchors that have been shown to help us steady when things feel overwhelming. It's just as important to be aware of these for ourselves, as for the babies and families we care for.

Looking after yourself

NeoLeaP — 2026-07-03 06:38:51 UTC

The work you do is hard, and never more so than now.

This first resource is intended to give you permission to pause, and to acknowledge what you're feeling. It also gives you some reminders of some of the sources of support that might be available to you.

When no-one is talking about it

NeoLeaP — 2026-07-03 06:38:51 UTC

The culture of the NHS often reflects a wider cultural approach - try not to acknowledge or talk about difficult feelings, and 'focus on the positive'. But experiencing difficult feelings in such a challenging world is healthy, human and expected. When we fail to acknowledge these feelings, we hold onto them in our bodies and minds and they can be far more harmful. Noticing and sharing feelings can have a powerful impact.

Checking in with yourself

NeoLeaP — 2026-07-03 06:38:51 UTC

Sometimes it's easy to go through the days focused entirely on other people, but not really recognising how you're feeling in yourself. Take a moment just to check in with what's happening in your body and your mind, before you explore some of what might help if you are finding things harder.

sophieburgess13 — 2026-07-06 08:20:28 UTC

2026-08-05 11:34:17 UTC