## **TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT 1[st] April 2023 – 31[st] March 2024** 

## **ACHIEVEMENTS / OUTPUT** 

Special Delivery NI has produced and delivered 2 Post natal and 0 Prenatal gift boxes to Hospitals throughout Northern Ireland during the financial year 01/04/23 – 31/03/24.  This was due to the Hospitals still having boxes from the last years delivery.  After a Freedom of Information request we can see there were only 35 babies born with Down Syndrome last year and 15 were aborted.  This obviously impacted the amount of boxes required. 

## **ABOUT SPECIAL DELIVERY NI** 

Postnatal boxes include a ‘Positive About Down Syndrome’ book #NobodyToldMe, ‘Wouldn’t Change A Thing’ book, a personal letter from me along with gifts for mum and baby.  These gifts have been chosen to provide positive, up to date information to parents and families when their baby receives a Down Syndrome diagnosis. 

## **IMPACT AND BENEFIT** 

The feedback from parents has been extremely positive.  They found the information relevant and helpful at a time in their lives when they faced an uncertain future for their baby and family. 

Healthcare professionals have also appreciated the gift boxes.  They reported parent feeling reassured and comforted by the message conveyed through the gift boxes.  Many stated that Special Delivery NI provide much needed assistance to families facing a Down Syndrome diagnosis in Northern Ireland.  I have also given information to Healthcare Trust on training sessions for maternity professionals regarding delivering a Down Syndrome diagnosis to parents.  I hope they avail of these training services that can only improve maternity services in Northern Ireland. 

## **DEVELOPMENTS** 

As of September 2022 Special Delivery NI produced and delivered Prenatal boxes with useful information for parents who receive a prenatal diagnosis of Down Syndrome and are continuing with the pregnancy.  Twenty of these prenatal boxes were given to the Royal Victoria Hospital Belfast where mothers who receive a Down Syndrome diagnosis are monitored.  I have received emails from parents who are recipients of these boxes. 

Special Deliver NI continues to work with Alternative Angles a charity which provides support to people with Learning Disabilities.  Alternative Angles supply candles, soap and bath salts for the gift boxes.  These items were made by adults with Learning Disabilities in Northern Ireland.  We are delighted to have these beautiful items in Special Delivery NI gift boxes.  Not only are they high quality gifts but it also reinforces the ethos of Special Deliver NI.  It is my hope that new parents will also realise their child can grow up and fulfil their potential and lead full and happy lives. 



## **FUNDRAISING** 

Special Delivery NI’s positive impact on parents and the wider community is evident in the fundraising two parent’s in particular achieved.  After receiving Special Delivery NI boxes when their babies were born they (separately)  fundraised.  They raised £3310 in total for Special Delivery NI financial funding for 23/24. 

£468 was received from the Hospitals. (Boxes delivered in previous financial year). 

The charity Wouldn’t Change A Thing who supply books for Special Delivery NI boxes awarded a £750 grant for our prenatal boxes.