Baby Basics gifts hampers to struggling families in Wrexham

Baby Basics Wrexham marks its third anniversary this month, and has been awarded £5,000 in National Lottery Community funding.

This money will help support its work to provide essentials for the post-natal safety and wellbeing of baby and mother, so they do not have to go into debt and are given dignity and hope at such a vulnerable time of their lives.

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Baby Basics centres give out hampers of essential baby clothing and supplies to expectant mums identified in need by professionals.

The group, based in the Priory Centre in Wrexham city centre, will use the money to purchase new Moses baskets and stands, mattresses, nappies, toiletries, hygiene products, bedding, baby towels and changing mats, as well as improve the functionality of their centre.

Baby Basics Wrexham has been running since February 2021 when it was established during the pandemic and is run entirely by volunteers. It is a part of the Baby Basics UK and Baby Bank Alliance which operate across the UK.

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The Wrexham branch was founded by Sarah Davies, a teacher and mum, and others at Christ Church, after she realised that the community was struggling to provide support to local families and their children, and she wanted to make a difference.

They work through a referral basis, mainly with midwives, health visitors, social workers, council staff and other professionals who can properly assess the needs of the family.

A Baby Basics hamper put together with donations.

Baby Basics Wrexham has made up more than 160 hampers for families since opening. The team recruit donations from people in Wrexham and every single week they receive donations of preloved (gently used) clothing and new toiletries from the community, who want to support local people.

Recently several of the mums who received a hamper previously have donated things back to be given out again.

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This project doesn't run without the support of the people of Wrexham. Last year Baby Basics Wrexham was honoured to be a chosen charity to receive a donation from the proceeds of the inaugural Wrexham Business and Community Awards (WBCA).

Sarah Opper, centre manager since July 2023, said: “We’re delighted the National Lottery Community Fund has recognised our work in this way.

"Now, thanks to National Lottery players we will be able to help more local families who are struggling to provide for their new babies, giving dignity and hope at a stressful time.

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"This will be vital to support vulnerable babies in our community, helping to alleviate some of the impacts of childhood poverty.

"If you think you might qualify for a referral, please speak to your midwife or health visitor and ask them about this service. If you need equipment like prams or highchairs, please contact Baby Equipment Bank Wrexham run by Homestart."

To find out more about donating or getting involved check out the group's active Facebook (facebook.com/babybasicswrexham) which lists the week’s needed donations and other updates and photos.

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Every Monday morning, volunteers come in to receive and sort donations from the community and to make up the hampers they give out.

The referrers come and pick up them up and deliver them to the mums. The hampers include preloved clothing for babies up to six months, blankets, towel, jackets, new toiletries and more, plus items for mum too.

The new funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, will allow the centre to buy the items which have not been donated and to give out more new items - particularly new Moses baskets and mattress to promote safe sleep.