Nationwide rollout urged for boxes of hope

A children’s health charity is calling for a national rollout of a low-cost early years scheme to support vulnerable families.

The Children’s Foundation, alongside British Baby Box, is urging the Government to adopt its Baby Box initiative as part of the upcoming National Child Poverty Strategy. 

A cross-party group of MPs from across England have also signed a joint letter to the Cabinet Office in support of the proposal.

The Baby Box scheme provides first-time parents who meet the Vulnerable Parent or Healthy Child Plus criteria with a curated box of essentials and developmental items to support a baby’s first 1001 days. 

Referrals are made by midwives or health visitors, with boxes delivered before birth to help parents prepare.

Sean Soulsby, chief executive of The Children’s Foundation, which is based in Newcastle, said: “This is about levelling the playing field from day one. 

“The Baby Box helps ease the financial burden for families while delivering vital tools to support child development. 

“It directly addresses two key pillars of the National Child Poverty Strategy: reducing essential costs and giving children the best possible start in life.

“Every baby deserves dignity, support and opportunity, regardless of postcode.”

The scheme has been rolled out through multiple NHS trusts and local authorities, and was recently backed by the North East Combined Authority’s Child Poverty Prevention Programme, which aims to distribute 1450 boxes by August 2025.

Mayor Kim McGuinness, pictured below, said the baby boxes are a “cornerstone” in delivering her strategy to lift families out of poverty. 

She added: “Baby boxes are a vital way to ensure there is equality between all kids during their first 1000 days. 

“They’re a cost-effective way to give parents the little essentials they need like room thermometers, playmats and stimulating toys to raise happy, healthy and engaged children, no matter what their household circumstances. 

“Our baby box scheme has proven to be such a success that even more families will be receiving baby boxes as we’re expanding our programme. 

“Parents across the UK should have access to the same support we’re delivering; therefore, I urge ministers to include baby boxes in the Government’s national child poverty strategy.” 

The Children’s Foundation is calling on the Government to fund and scale the initiative nationally, integrate it into early years policy and appoint a ministerial representative to join the Baby Box National Steering Group. 

An independent NIHR evaluation found 100 per cent of participating parents felt more confident and supported after receiving their Baby Box.

Dame Rachel de Souza, children’s commissioner for England, praised the project and added her support.

She said: “This is exactly the kind of intervention we need to support families. 

“It’s simple, effective and has the power to change lives. 

“My team was so impressed by the model – this should be available nationwide.”

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