Did you hear about our exciting new project helping parents in Boston and North Kesteven?
We aim to help alleviate the symptoms of child poverty, while reducing waste and encouraging families to re-gift items they no longer need.
Baby Bliss will receive donations of essential items for babies and children aged 0-3 years and pass them on for free, from one family to another. It will be a lifeline for families who need help, providing parents with support, and children with the items they need to thrive.
The project will support families in need in Boston and North Kesteven. We absolutely know that there is a need for this service. There is no baby bank provision in Boston or North Kesteven, with the closest being based 16 miles away from Boston and 22 miles away from Sleaford. New figures from an annual survey by the national Baby Bank Alliance show that 220,000 families across the UK were supported by baby banks in 2024, up from 163,000 in the previous year.
The baby bank will offer numerous benefits by providing essential baby items to families in need, reducing financial strain, promoting sustainability, and fostering community support. We will ensure that babies have access to necessary items like clothing, nappies and equipment, whilst also encouraging the reuse and recycling of items.
Benefits include:
1. Financial Relief for Families:
- Baby banks alleviate the financial burden on families by providing free essential baby items, such as clothing, nappies, and equipment.
- This can be especially helpful for families facing poverty, financial hardship, or crisis situations, including those fleeing domestic violence or experiencing job loss.
- By reducing the cost of raising a baby, baby banks allow families to focus on other essential needs, like food, housing, and healthcare.
2. Supporting Sustainability and Reducing Waste:
- Baby banks promote the reuse and recycling of baby items, contributing to a more sustainable environment.
- Instead of items going to waste, they are given a second life, benefiting both the environment and other families.
- This practice reduces the demand for new products, minimizing the resources and energy needed to produce them.
3. Ensuring Equal Opportunities for Children:
- Baby banks help ensure that all children have access to the essential items they need to thrive, regardless of their family’s financial situation.
- This promotes equity and gives every child a healthy start in life.
- By providing access to necessities, baby banks help level the playing field and give children a better chance to reach their full potential.
4. Supporting Parental Well-being:
- Baby banks can reduce parental anxiety and stress by providing essential items and support.
- Knowing that they have access to the resources their baby needs can alleviate financial worries and allow parents to focus on other aspects of their lives.
- This can positively impact the parent-child relationship and create a more supportive and nurturing environment.
Baby Bliss clients will also benefit from access to our advice services to help resolve the root cause of their financial hardship. Our advisers are able to assist families with income maximisation, financial capability and grant searches.
Donations will be used to purchase items such as nappies, wet wipes and baby toiletries. Donations will also help to cover staff and volunteer costs.