World Prematurity Month

World Prematurity Month takes place in November every year to raise awareness of premature birth.

Spread a Smile is proud to support families with babies in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) through entertainer visits across four of our NHS hospital partners (Great Ormond Street Hospital, St George’s Hospital, St Mary’s Hospital and Queen Charlotte’s Hospital).

In March 2025, Spread a Smile also launched our Intensive Care Library Project which saw us donate 20 book libraries to 13 NHS hospitals for families with children on neonatal and paediatric intensive care and high dependency units to use and enjoy. The project was launched with a special visit to Evelina London Children’s Hospital with celebrated children’s author, Michael Rosen.

Spread a Smile Visit Manager, Debbie Tropp (pictured right), heads up our intensive care provision saying,

“Seeing the huge difference we make to children and families in the intensive care units is very special. It is also amazing to connect with the lovely caring staff in hospital who work so hard to support their patients.

“When a parent sees and shares the benefit of our visit with us, it’s amazing as we know that what we’re doing is worthwhile and making such a difference. We often support families who have been on the wards for a long time, and we feel part of their journey. When they get to go home, it is a very emotional time and it’s wonderful when they then access our Spread a Smile virtual entertainment, family parties and events. We are on their journey with them for as long as they need us.”

To stay up to date with Spread a Smile’s work and how you can support us, sign up to our e-newsletter here.

Thank you to Debbie for her recent fundraiser to help support the Intensive Care Library Project!