Wandsworth Council has launched a new scheme to support vulnerable young parents.
Under the new arrangement, families facing financial challenges will be eligible for baby boxes, containing essentials such as nappies and clothes.
A pilot for the scheme began last month, with parents under 21 and care leavers included.
Putney MP Fleur Anderson said: “I am delighted to see Wandsworth Council’s baby box scheme launched.
“As a mother of four, and having previously run a community centre that supported local mothers, i know that this baby box scheme is a fantastic example of how our Labour-led Council is making a real difference in people’s lives.”
The scheme is inspired by a similar arrangement in Finland.
The boxes have an approximate value of £250, and also contain books and toys for parents to bond with their baby.
The box itself has a padded mattress, and can be used as a cot.
Plans to extend the program are under consideration.
Wandsworth Council‘s Cabinet Member for Children Kate Stock said: “We are determined to make Wandsworth healthier and fairer.
“We’re really proud of our new Baby Box scheme and of our partnership with Little Village on Bundles in Partnership.
“They will target pioneering support to the people who need it most and will help give our most vulnerable children the best start in life.
“The first 1,000 days of a child’s life are really, really critical and we recognise that some families are really struggling with the cost of living to provide some essentials in those first months of a baby’s life.”
Wandsworth’s first Family Hub was launched in September last year at the Yvonne Carr Centre, and provides a wide range of family support under one roof.
This includes midwifery, health visiting, and children’s centre services.
Anderson added: “This is a compassionate and forward-thinking approach, and Wandsworth Council is leading the country in the ambition and scale of this scheme.
“I hope to see this trial expanded so more families across the borough can benefit.”
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