Praise for Wandsworth Council Baby Box Scheme
Fleur Anderson applauds initiative to support vulnerable young parents
The boxes contain supplies worth £250
January 24, 2025
A Wandsworth Council initiative which was launched this month to provide support to vulnerable young parents, has attracted praise from Putney’s MP.
Fleur Anderson has applauded the baby box scheme which provides packages containing essentials like nappies, clothes, and even a mattress for safe sleeping. It is being piloted for parents under 21 and those who have been in the care system and is described as the first scheme of its type and scale in the country.
Inspired by Finland’s world-renowned program, the baby boxes aim to reduce financial stress for new parents while promoting early development and parent-child bonding through included toys and books.
Valued at approximately £250, these boxes address both immediate needs and long-term benefits.
Wandsworth Council has reported early success with the scheme, with families like local mother Rosabel, a 17-year-old mother balancing college and parenthood, already appreciating its impact.
Ms Anderson said, "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. By providing practical support to young mothers, this scheme is helping ensure that every baby gets the best start in life, no matter the financial circumstances they are born into."
She added, Research has shown just how critical the very early months of a baby's life are in terms of their cognitive and emotional development. I’m particularly encouraged by the focus on supporting vulnerable families during the first critical months of a child’s life. I hope to see this trial expanded so more families across the borough can benefit."
Kate Stock, Cabinet Member for Children, said, “We are determined to make Wandsworth healthier and fairer. We’re doing that by getting out into communities and supporting people to access the services they need.
“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.”
Plans to extend the program are now under consideration.
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