Emergency new-born bundles launched at Southmead Hospital to support vulnerable families
The scheme ensures new parents leave with essential items for their baby
Baby Bank Network Bristol has partnered with Southmead Hospital's maternity unit to introduce emergency newborn bundles for families.
Developed in collaboration with North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) Maternity Services, this initiative aims to provide immediate support for new parents experiencing poverty, crisis, or other challenges.
Healthcare professionals at Southmead Hospital are now able to offer these bundles to ensure every baby is safely discharged with essentials like clothing, nappies, and toiletries.
The initiative marks a first for Baby Bank Network Bristol, driven by discussions with NBT maternity colleagues who highlighted the struggles many families face in accessing newborn essentials.
Each 'grab bag' includes items crucial for a baby’s first few days, such as sleepsuits, nappies, muslins, and a blanket, along with toiletries and treats for mum.
The bundles are presented as gifts and come with a card directing families to further support.
Healthcare professionals will identify families who would benefit from this support, including young parents, those experiencing homelessness, refugees, asylum seekers, and families facing mental health challenges.
Becky Gilbert, CEO and Co-founder of Baby Bank Network Bristol, said: “Last year we helped around 1,370 Bristol families who are facing poverty or crisis. This often meant providing a pre-loved cot so a baby has a safe place to sleep, or passing on a pushchair so a young family can get out and about.”
She continued: “Through our close partnership with NBT, we also know some families need even more immediate support, so they can be safely discharged after birth."
NBT Complex Care Midwife Sharon Cohen expressed her support for the initiative: “Our community teams support women and families throughout their pregnancy, and are often able to identify and support those in need before their baby is born. It is fantastic to be able to offer immediate relief for families, building trust and hope at a time when they need it most.”
Julie Northrop, NBT Director of Midwifery and Nursing for the Women and Children’s Division, added: “Our partnership with Baby Bank Network Bristol is a powerful example of how health services and community organisations can work together to reduce inequalities from the very start of a child’s life.”
The collaboration comes as demand for baby bank support grows, with 4.5 million children living in poverty in the UK.