3000 Baby Boxes delivered to first time parents in the North East
A baby, born this festive period, is the 3000th to receive a baby box in the region
North East charity The Children’s Foundation is celebrating boosting the start in life for three thousand babies this Christmas, with first-day essentials, information and support in the form of a Baby Box.
One family, who had a child born over this festive period, are now number three thousand in the North East to receive the boxes.
A third of children in the North East live in poverty and these boxes are designed to level the playing field for all youngsters. Baby Boxes include developmentally rich toys, early learning materials, baby essentials and expert guidance to first-time parents.
The scheme has been backed by North East Mayor Kim McGuinness since she came into office, she has expanded the initiative to benefit more families across the region.
The model combines financial relief with relationship-based support delivered through midwives, health visitors and community partners, easing the pressure on stretched public services and giving families the confidence, tools and knowledge to support their baby’s development from birth.
Sean Soulsby, CEO of The Children’s Foundation said, “Reaching 3,000 Baby Boxes isn’t just a number, it represents real, individual families whose babies are now starting life with the essentials, the learning tools and the support every child deserves.”
Mayor Kim said: “I’ve seen the impact that baby boxes have first hand, they level the playing field for new parents from day one. That’s why they’re part of our region’s plan to tackle child poverty, and 3000 children have had a better start in life because of it.
“It is so important that we break down the barriers that poverty creates, and we cannot start early enough. As part of our £28.6m Child Poverty Action Plan, we’ll be delivering a new grant for pregnant mams, helping parents with the cost of childcare and expanding baby box deliveries.”
Sean continued, “Every baby deserves dignity, support, and opportunity, regardless of postcode. Our team will continue working with policymakers, local authorities and health partners to explore how the Baby Box model can be expanded to ensure that every first-time family in the North East, and across England, has access to our life-changing Baby Boxes.”