Childrens Foundation: 3,000 baby boxes given to North East families over Christmas
A child born during the festive season has become the 3000th in the region to receive a Baby Box.
A child born during the festive season has become the 3000th in the region to receive a Baby Box.
North East charity The Children’s Foundation is celebrating boosting the start in life for 3000 babies this Christmas, with first-day essentials, information and support in the form of a Baby Box.
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 and is becoming a cornerstone of her strategy to tackle child poverty.
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 McGuinness 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.”