Twins Trust was founded in 1978. We were first known as the UK Twins Association, then the Twins and Multiple Births Association (TAMBA).
At that time there was very little information or support for families expecting or raising twins, triplets or more. Services and policy often did not recognise their specific needs.
Ajibha-Judi Linney, a nurse and midwife who had moved to the UK from apartheid South Africa, was living in Surrey when she was told she was expecting twins. She was seven-and-a-half months pregnant and there was a complication.
She tried to find reliable information but discovered there was almost nothing available. She felt isolated and alone. After her daughters were born, that lack of information and support continued, both in hospital and at home.
When she returned to work four years later, she began speaking with other midwives and health visitors about the needs of families with twins and higher order multiples. Some colleagues wanted to help. Together with three other mothers of twins, she founded the Twin Clubs Association in 1978. This later became TAMBA and then Twins Trust.
Building a national network
By 1980 the organisation was producing a growing range of information for families and those who support them, including resources on bereavement.
We had connections with around 120 twin clubs across the UK, helping families to meet, share experiences and feel less alone.
In 1984 we became a registered charity. In 2008 Judi received an MBE for services to health care and the community. She remains closely connected to Twins Trust and to the families we serve.
Growing our work for families
In our early years we focused on practical information and peer support. We developed courses and printed leaflets that addressed the realities of expecting and parenting twins, triplets or more. We worked closely with local multiples' clubs to connect families with each other.
Over the years we expanded into Northern Ireland and Scotland. We began to lobby the government, invest in research and raise the profile of multiple birth families.
We launched our magazine and created 'Twinline' (now known as our Helpline), our volunteer-run telephone helpline, which now also offers support by WhatsApp, webchat and email. These services have given thousands of families a safe space to talk through worries and questions.
A new name, the same commitment
In 2019 we rebranded as Twins Trust. Our new name reflects our role as the UK charity for twins, triplets or more, and the trust families place in us.
We continue to grow and adapt how we work, while staying true to our founding purpose.
Twins Trust today
Today we're a leading resource for twins, triplets or more, their families and the professionals who care for them in the UK and beyond.
We raise awareness of the unique challenges faced by multiple birth families and help develop practical solutions. We support and empower parents from pregnancy through every stage of childhood and adolescence.
We educate and train health and social care professionals so they can provide high quality care. We advocate for policy change so that families with twins, triplets or more have the best possible outcomes.
From a small group of parents and professionals to a national charity, our history has always been shaped by one aim. No family with twins, triplets or more should feel they have to face things on their own.
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