COSMIC charity supports the children's and neonatal intensive care units at St Mary's and Queen Charlotte's Hospitals in London. 
 
Our Story  
COSMIC has supported extremely premature babies and critically ill children for over 28 years. We fund state of the art medical equipment, emotional and practical support for families and specialist training for frontline workers.  Originally two separate charities – the Winnicott Foundation and COSMIC –  we merged in 2020 to become one charity driving forward better care and support for babies and children in intensive care.  Our neonatal units treat more than 1,000 babies every year, including 'extremely pre-term' babies – those born at less than 27 weeks. Our children's intensive care unit treats 500-600 critically ill children of all ages across London and the Home Counties. Most have become suddenly unwell, and without the specialist care we provide, they simply wouldn't survive.  
 
The Idea  
The pandemic and strict COVID-19 restrictions have considerably impacted our patients, families, and frontline staff. It has become clear that access to an increased range of specialist equipment is vital to deliver more effective treatment, better care and improved outcomes for our poorly babies and children. Maintaining the right level of communication with patients and families leads to enhanced family support.  
 
In 2022, COSMIC want to ensure that we can keep all families in our care together and supported whilst their child is in hospital. With enough support, we aim to provide every baby and child with vital resources and practical support. For instance, on-site accommodation to allow families to remain together during their child's hospital stay. But also counselling & support sessions, specialist equipment for children with complex needs and new instruments that will enable us to train staff in the latest innovative methods for treating extremely pre-term babies and critically ill children. 
 
Getting involved  
Volunteers play an essential role in assisting COSMIC to deliver its key commitments and support our families. We require volunteers for various activities throughout the year and rely on pro bono skills-based volunteering to deliver some of our key projects. If you would like to volunteer for COSMIC or learn more about our opportunities, please email info@cosmiccharity.org.uk and include the reference Arena.  

This article is part of the Arena Magazine, Issue 47 January 2022 edition.
Arena Magazine is the official magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.

Read more articles in the Arena Issue 47 here.