Baby Basics Northampton opens new home as demand reaches one in 14 babies born across Northamptonshire

Baby Basics Northampton welcomed supporters, funders, healthcare professionals, volunteers, local businesses, councillors, and community leaders to celebrate the official opening of its new premises on Saturday 6th June.

Among those attending were Mayor Cllr Mike Hallam, MP Stuart Andrew, and councillors from across Northamptonshire, who joined the Baby Basics Northampton team and supporters in marking a significant milestone for the charity.

The new premises represent the next chapter in a remarkable journey that began in 2013 when four local mums recognised a growing need within their community. What started with donations stored in homes, sheds and garages, and Moses baskets packed around kitchen tables, has grown into a charity that has supported more than 3,600 families across Northamptonshire.

The celebration came at a crucial time for the charity. Over the last five years, referrals have increased by an extraordinary 128%, with Baby Basics Northampton now supporting one in every fourteen babies born across the county.

To put that figure into perspective, one in fourteen babies is equivalent to around two children in every primary school classroom.

These statistics paint a stark picture of the challenges facing families across Northamptonshire and highlight the growing need for practical support for parents and babies.

Speaking at the event, Baby Basics Northampton Co-Founder and CEO Sabrina Oakey said:

"Sometimes a pack is not just a pack. Sometimes it's a lifeline to a mum escaping domestic abuse. Sometimes it changes the course of a family's future."

The charity provides Moses basket starter packs containing essential items including nappies, clothing, blankets, toiletries and safe sleep guidance. Referrals are made through healthcare professionals and support agencies for families experiencing financial hardship, domestic abuse, homelessness, refugee status, or other challenging circumstances.

During the event, attendees heard the story of a mother who had been living in a violent and controlling relationship throughout her pregnancy. When she received a Baby Basics Moses basket starter pack, she finally had a safe place for her baby to sleep and the essentials she needed if she chose to leave. The pack gave her something she had not had for a very long time: choice. She left the relationship and is now rebuilding her life and raising her child in safety.

The charity believes that while the contents of each pack are practical, the impact reaches far beyond the items themselves, providing dignity, reassurance and hope at a time when families need it most.

Mayor Cllr Mike Hallam praised the charity's impact and highlighted the significance of the new statistics.

He commented: "Baby Basics Northampton's new statistics showing that they are now supporting one in fourteen babies born across Northamptonshire – the equivalent of two children in every school class – really highlights the increase in need for their services. Having this new space will allow the charity to reach more people and continue supporting families across the county."

The new premises will provide much-needed capacity as demand continues to grow, enabling the charity to store more donations, prepare more packs, and welcome more volunteers.

Reflecting on the role of the community in the charity's success, Sabrina Oakey said:

"Together, you are helping to bring back something truly special: the belief that it takes a village to raise a child. That village is everyone who supports Baby Basics Northampton, from the knitters creating gifts for babies they will never meet, to the businesses raising funds for us, our volunteers giving their time, and every individual who chooses to help a local family."

Baby Basics Northampton is now calling on the community to continue supporting its work through donations, volunteering, fundraising and partnerships.

"The growth in referrals tells us that the need is increasing, and if we are to continue reaching the families who need us most, we need our community behind us now more than ever. Every pack begins with someone choosing to help. Every pack delivers hope. And every pack tells a family that they are not alone."

A special thank you to Hayley Higgs, Community Champion from Tesco Extra in Weston Favell and Lets Cake for generously providing refreshments and cakes, and to Kym Symes of Purple Lily Events and Gemma Bailes of SweetBitz for the beautiful balloons and lighting that helped make the event so special.

For more information about Baby Basics Northampton, volunteering opportunities, or ways to support the charity, please contact [email protected]