Category: Wales
Date: 12.05.2006
Printable version
The dangers associated with shaking a young baby will be graphically highlighted
in next week's episode of BBC Wales drama Belonging (Wednesday 17 May 2006, BBC ONE
Wales).
In the award-winning show, teenagers Cai (played by David Smith from Brynsadler)
and Stacey (played by Stephanie Parker from Treforest) are struggling to cope
with their crying newborn daughter.
When sleep-deprived Stacey shakes the baby
in frustration she suddenly stops breathing.
NSPCC Cymru Wales has welcomed Belonging's step to dramatise 'shaken baby
syndrome'.
Simon Jones, NSPCC Cymru Wales Policy Advisor, says there is help available for new parents feeling under pressure.
"Parenting is one of the most rewarding jobs in the world, but it is also very
hard work," he says.
"All parents can come under stress from time to time,
especially new parents who can feel particularly pressurised and isolated, with
the perception that they are the only ones who are struggling to cope.
"It is vital that all parents are encouraged and able to access support when
they need it, which may just be somebody to listen to the concerns or issues
that they are facing.
"NSPCC Cymru/Wales' Helpline provides support and advice to parents and carers on
a range of issues.
"We need to ensure that parents who are feeling isolated are
aware of the support that they can receive via helplines and within their
communities."
The NSPCC Cymru/Wales Helpline is a free bilingual service available to parents
wanting advice on parenting or just someone to talk to.
The helpline - 0808 100 2524 - is open Monday to Friday from 10.00am to 6.00pm. Calls are free.
Outside these hours calls are automatically transferred
to a 24-hour English language-only helpline.
BBC Wales Press Office
