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Meet Baby Basics Leicester - a wonderful charity which helps mums in need
- ciaran583
- 3 hours ago
- 3 min read
We'd like to shine a light on a wonderful charity we turn to when one of our clients is struggling with the cost of caring for their baby or young child.
One new mum told us recently she could not afford the everyday essentials and asked if we knew anyone who could help.
A member of our team of social work placement students took the mum's details and approached Baby Basics Leicester and explained her position.
The people there put together a stack of items for her - including a buggy, a Moses basket, a cot, as well as some clothing and other essentials - and invited us over to collect them.
So, earlier this month we headed out to their office, on the Grange Business Park, Whetstone to collect it all.
Later that day we dropped them off at the delighted young woman's home in the city centre.
A week or so later, we went back again for a further bundle for another family.
Avril Lewis, our crisis support manager, said: "We turn to Baby Basics Leicester from time to time, when one of the women we support tells us they are struggling.
"The people there are lovely. They are always very helpful and get everything done really quickly.
"The second woman who has been helped by Baby Basics this month has been with us for a while now.
"As her child has grown she has washed everything, put it back in its original packaging and returned it all in immaculate condition, so it can go to another family.
"It is a wonderful group and we are always very grateful to the people there for their support."
Laura Hutchinson, from Baby Basics Leicester, told us: "We are glad we can support other local charities to ensure families have the right equipment and essentials they need.
"We hope this can make a positive difference in bringing up a baby or young child in challenging times."
Baby Basics started at the Kings Centre, in Sheffield in 2009 to support families across the city, alongside frontline health and social care professionals.
Established in 2017, Baby Basics Leicester is one of 55 volunteer-led centres in towns and cities across the UK. Currently, it is the second busiest branch in the country.
They explain on their website: "Working with midwives, health visitors and other charities or agencies we provide support directly where it is most needed.
"Baby Basics volunteers lovingly collect, sort and package referrals which include Moses basket starter kits, clothing, toiletries and other essential equipment as an attractive gift.
"The aim is to help new families practically and generously.
"Larger items such as buggies, cots and highchairs and much more are also given out as the child needs them.
"As well as new babies, we support families with toddlers too (up to the age of five) with clothing, books and toys.
"If you work with vulnerable families who are struggling to provide for their newborn baby or young child please get in touch with us."
Baby Basics Leicester is part of the Anglican Church of the Martyrs, in Westcotes Drive, Leicester. You can find the website here or contact them at: babybasicsleicester@gmail.com
The New Futures Project offers a comprehensive welfare and counselling service for women and young people dealing with sexual abuse or exploitation, domestic violence, trafficking, poverty and debt, substance use or mental ill-health.
Call us on 0116 251 0803 or send us a message at: info@new-futures.org.uk
You can find us at 71 London Road, Leicester, LE2 0PE.
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