here - Little Hearts Matter

Feature16On Saturday 12th March LHM held its Annual GeneralMeeting and Open Day at the Bethel Convention Centre,Birmingham, below is an overview.We attended our first Open Day in2010 when Naomi was about sevenweeks old, and she spent most of theday asleep in my sling, which was solovely. Things were a little differentthis year, as we now have a toddlerrunning about enjoying herself, andgetting into everything, particularlywhen she saw Barnaby Bear sat onthe welcome table.This year's Open Day was held atBethel Conference Centre, whichwas an excellent venue. The stafflooked after us well, and it was veryeasy to get to. Naomi particularlyenjoyed the huge lobby that wasgreat for running around.We were very eager to return tothis year's Open Day. One of the bestthings about LHM is the relationshipsthat are built, and the opportunitiesto talk to people who understand.Where else could you have asensible conversation about what todo if your toddler won't co-operatefor an echo?! Last year we had justbeen through the antenataldiagnosis, birth and stay in hospitaland got great encouragement fromattending the Open Day. It was sowonderful this year to catch up withfriends we made last year, and findout how their little ones aredoing,as well as makenew friends, andWritten byTracey Baker and Joe Hollingworthput faces to names from the LHMforum.The main topic of discussion wasthe Safe and Sustainable review,which was the topic first session. Itwas quite eye opening to see howthe quality of care differs across thehospitals, and how different eachperson's experiences have been. Itreally brings home the importance ofmaking our voice heard in theSafe and Sustainable process.Suzie gave a clear explanationof the different options and agood discussion followed.After the AGM we had reports fromthe quality of life study and the youthresearch which was very interestingand thought provoking, especiallyhow the views of parents and childrencan differ! This cutting edge researchcould make a real difference to thecare of our children in the future.Over lunchtime Ian Ash, along withEmma and Shelagh, ran a sessionabout the new ambassador scheme.The idea is to have LHM representativesacross the country to help with theoutward facing side of the charity. It wasa really productive discussion, andmade me feel really proud to be part ofa charity that is so caring,and so well run. Theambassador schemeshould hopefullyreally enhancethe work ofLHM.In the afternoon we attended thesession for parents of 0 - 5s, whilsteveryone else went off to enjoy thesession working with their childrenand discussing issues that come upwith the different age groups. The 0- 5 session was a great opportunityto share experiences, and get advicefrom friends who have been throughsimilar issues.The children's provision wasexcellent. Naomi had a super time incrèche, and the youth and childrenhad a varied and exciting set ofworkshops. It is such anencouragement seeing the otherchildren and teenagers at the OpenDay. It gives us such hope for thefuture to see the teenagers doing sowell. The youth produced an excellentLHM Open Dpuppet show at the end of the daywhich was enjoyed by all.This year we booked a local hotel sowe couldstay for theevening entertainment. The eveningsocial was fantastic, one of the bestbits, and chance to eat, chat andswap stories whilst the kids runaround in a safe place. Naomireally enjoyed the magician (wewere most amused by his brummieaccent, pronouncing 'line' with an 'o'in it!).We look forward to the next OpenDay. Thank you to all the team fororganising it.See you next year!