A council is providing baby boxes, containing essentials like nappies and towels, to support vulnerable young parents.
Wandsworth council has launched the scheme after a pilot trial over the summer, to help mothers who are under 21, or have been in the care system.
The boxes, which are padded and can be used as a cot, contain items worth around £250 including books, toys and essentials.
Frarnie Brum, a young recipient of the scheme said: “I’m glad they’ve brought this in now when some people are struggling.
“You wouldn’t have an idea what to do but his box is complete with everything you need.”
Wishing the scheme, parents also receive support from the council’s new Family Hub, working in partnership with health and social care experts.
The first Wandsworth Family Hub was launched in September at the Yvonne Carr centre in Thessaly Road, Nine Elms.
The service provides family support including midwifery, health visiting and children’s centre services, as well as more streamlined access to other new services such as housing support and career advice.
The Baby Box scheme is the first of its kind in the capital and is supported by the Family Nurse Partnership and St George’s and Chelsea and Westminster NHS Trusts.
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.”
The council are looking to expand eligibility for their Baby Box scheme in the future and more Family Hubs are currently being developed across the borough.
Pictured top: A mother and her baby with a baby box (Picture: Wandsworth council)