Northampton charity that helps new mums secures funding for five years

A local charity that helps new mothers with essential items for their babies has secured funding for five years that will stabilise its future.

Baby Basics, which was based in Grange Park until recently, has been awarded the money from The National Lottery’s Reaching Communities Fund.

The funding will support the charity’s rent costs on its new premises near Wellingborough and will also contribute towards a staff member’s salary.

Micki Carey-Slater, communications and grant lead at Baby Basics, said: “This is huge for our charity to have the backing of the National Lottery shows such a confidence in our work and belief in what we are doing – and to have it for five years is amazing.

“While we continue to fundraise for staffing and other costs, knowing our rent is covered provides real security for us.”

The grant comes as the charity, which provides hampers of essential items for disadvantaged mums, has moved to bigger premises on the Scott Bader site in Wollaston and at a time when demand for their work is expected to increase.

Nicola Thurbon, senior head of regional funding for the Midlands at The National Lottery Community Fund added: “We are inspired and reassured by the strength we’re seeing in communities across Northamptonshire.

“Although we’re beginning to see lockdown restrictions ease, community organisations – big and small – are still grappling with the impact caused by the crisis.

“National Lottery funding is life changing for projects like Baby Basics Northampton in keeping their communities connected and reaching those who need the most help.

“Our priority is to continue getting funding, which is more vital than ever before, out to community groups so they can rebuild and recover from this pandemic.”

As key workers, supporting the NHS and other professionals, including women’s refuges, the Baby Basics team is continuing despite the current Covid-19 crisis.

The charity was also recently awarded ‘highly commended’ for the second year running at the East Midlands Charity Awards in the Small Charity, Big Impact category.

Julie Bainbridge added: “We received 10 referrals in one day last week and with the financial impact of the coronavirus on families, we believe the need for our service will continue to grow and for a long time to come.”

The charity believes the recent award alongside the National Lottery funding highlights the importance of the work they are doing for families across the county.

Although the current situation means items from the general public are unable to be collected, the charity is appealing for support through its Local Giving page.

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