Charity sees surge in baby starter pack referrals

A charity providing starter packs for newborns has reported a "shocking" increase in referrals for its services.

Baby Basics, based in Wollaston, Northamptonshire, supplies moses baskets filled with donated bed linen, toiletries, and clothing to support vulnerable families.

The charity said it is now assisting one in 16 babies born in the county.

Sabrina Oakey, co-founder of Baby Basics Northampton said: "Unfortunately, over the last five years, we've seen a 97% increase in our referrals, which is shocking."

Founded in 2013, the charity provides support to new mothers facing financial hardship.

If purchased, the average cost of each starter pack would total around £450.

On Friday, Baby Basics distributed its 3,000th package to Growing Together, a Northampton-based wellbeing charity.

Ms Oakey said the scale of support the charity provides is "both humbling and inspiring".

She also highlighted that referrals are now coming from a range of sources, including NHS professionals, food banks, charities, social services, and frontline workers.

"We're seeing more and more working families coming to us. When both parents are working and still can't afford essentials, this is a problem we shouldn't have," Ms Oakey added.

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