A SUPPORT group for the families of babies cared for in neonatal units at hospitals including Bangor's Ysbyty Gwynedd is celebrating its first birthday.

Neomates North Wales was created a year ago and also caters for the families of babies cared for at Glan Clwyd Hospital and Wrexham Maelor.

Over the last year more than 220 people have joined the group, which provides an opportunity to share experiences and advice with other families of poorly babies.

A Neomates party will take place at the new neonatal unit at Glan Clwyd Hospital today from 10am until noon, to celebrate the anniversary.

The group was started by colleagues Nia Jones and Julia Davies, from the neonatal unit at Glan Clwyd Hospital.

Julia said: “We launched the group on World Prematurity Day last year, and have had a brilliant first year, with a much bigger response than we had expected.

“It’s brilliant that there’s a community of families from across North Wales ready to offer support to each other.”

Catrin O’Hara, whose twins Jack and Lucy were cared for on the unit at Glan Clwyd Hospital, said: “Neomates has given me the chance to meet others who understand our journey.

“Without Neomates, parents like myself could feel lost and overwhelmed by the barriers we’ve had to face.”