Albury-Wodonga NurtureGroup has been in operation for the past two years.

“We have been operating for a while now, but the problem is people don’t seem to know we exist,” group co-ordinator Regina Crook said.

The aim of the free group is to offer support to families and carers who have had babies admitted to neonatal intensive care units or special care nurseries, either through prematurity or complications as a result of their birth or congenital abnormalities.

Up to six families meet every second Wednesday during the school term at Trudewind Neighbourhood House in Wodonga.

Children are entertained with toys, arts and crafts while parents socialise over a supplied morning tea.

Speech pathologists and dieticians have been among guest speakers.

Mrs Crook said the group had been invaluable after her eldest son was born with a childhood kidney disease.

“It’s great to be able to talk to other parents who have been through numerous hospital visits and ongoing trips to the doctor,” she said.