Northampton baby essentials charity in ‘desperate’ need of community support as it reaches eight-year milestone

A Northampton charity that supports disadvantaged mums by providing baby essentials is celebrating its eighth year in existence today (January 14).

Baby Basics Northampton, which used to be based in Grange Park until it moved to a bigger site in Wollaston, has given out 1,400 of its Moses baskets starter kits since the charity began in 2013.

This year, the vital services have been needed more than ever, due to the effects of the pandemic.

However the charity itself has also struggled to keep going, so is pleading for help from the public as part of its birthday celebrations.

Julie Bainbridge, charity member, said: “Eight years ago, today, we sent out our first starter pack and just last week we provided number 1,400.

“It’s fantastic to be able to say that we’ve given 1,400 babies a safe place to sleep.”

The charity’s Moses basket starter packs are filled with essential items for vulnerable and disadvantaged mums and their new born, and are distributed across the county by partner agencies, including the NHS, domestic abuse charities and foodbanks.

At the start of this year, the charity started with 25 referrals and have seen, on average, between two and three new referrals come in each day since.

Although the team recognises that the need for their charity is growing and believe that Covid is having a real impact on their families, it has also badly affected their operation too.

Sabrina Oakey, also a member of Baby Basics, said: “Unfortunately, it has really hit us, too.”

“As a charity we are in desperate need of our community’s help.

“We want to be here for another eight years, for another 1400 babies, but our future is uncertain.”

As the charity is currently unable to accept physical donations to add to their starter packs, the team of volunteers and trustees are instead asking the public to get behind them and celebrate their eighth birthday with an £8 donation.

Donations can be made on the Baby Basics Northampton local giving page.The team is also asking any businesses to get in touch if they would like to support their mission. Contact details can be found by searching Baby Basics Northampton on Facebook.

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