Worthing and Shoreham parents helped by the Duchess of Cambridge

Baskets of essential items have been sent out by Baby Basics Shoreham to coincide with today’s official announcement of the royal initiative.

Kate Middleton brought together 19 British brands to donate items to baby banks across the UK, having been inspired by the work of Baby Basics West Norfolk, where she helped pack essential bundles earlier this year.

Cathie Peckham, who set up the Baby Basics centre in Shoreham with the help of the midwives at Worthing Hospital, said she was delighted to be able to share the news of the Duchess’ involvement with the charity.

She said: “We launched here in December 2018 and we have been grateful to receive some of the donations organised by the Duchess. Baskets went out yesterday containing some of the products.”

Baby Basics made the official announcement this morning that the Duchess was supporting baby banks and vulnerable families across the UK with the new initiative.

The Duchess of Cambridge said: “Over recent months, I have heard from families who have been supported by baby banks through the most difficult of times and I have been deeply moved by their stories.

“Having somewhere to turn to for support is important for all families and baby banks work every day, up and down the country, to provide immediate, tangible and practical help for parents and carers when they are most in need.

“Baby banks are driven by incredible volunteers, demonstrating the power of community spirit in supporting families and coming together to raise the next generation.

“Thanks to the generosity of the companies taking part in this initiative, baby banks across the UK will be able to support even more families through this particularly challenging time.”

Baby Basics UK, Little Village and AberNecessities were chosen to be part of the initiative.

Cat Ross, chief executive of Baby Basics UK, said: “We are thrilled to be part of this amazing initiative from the Duchess of Cambridge and to have the opportunity to highlight the importance of baby banks and the amazing service that Baby Basics Centres across the UK provide.

“We have never been more important than at this time when we are in the midst of a national crisis. So many more families in the UK will need support of a baby bank, some for the first time, and we are committed to doing all we can to support them in a way that restores dignity and values parents and their children.

“To have the support and donations of so many amazing brands makes our work that little bit easier and means that we can continue to ensure we can provide what is needed for every referral we receive.”

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