A new project has launched within the Benefice of Aylsham to help support soon-to-be mums who face challenges in affording the supplies and equipment needed to care for a new arrival.
Bure Valley Bump Start, based in the parishes of Marsham and Buxton, will work directly with midwives and community healthcare workers so that each mother referred receives a Moses basket filled with essential items including baby grows, towels, bedding, nappies and toiletries.
While the project is underpinned by the care and commitment of local church communities and selfless volunteers, Bure Valley Bump Start has sadly not solely been established out of generosity. The project is responding to growing need, particularly in an area of the county which has not yet had dedicated support of this kind.
Speaking at a launch event held in All Saints Church, Marsham, Pam Sizer, Community Midwifery Matron, said:
“There is real deprivation in our area, in small pockets. It is really encouraging to see Bure Valley Bump Start supporting people in this part of Norfolk.
“Over the last five years we’ve noticed an increase in need. The financial climate has changed for people, it’s become harder and harder to manage. More so than perhaps we’ve ever seen.”
Explaining why a new initiative in the area is so welcome, Grace Ashwell, Community Team Leader for the area’s midwifery service, added:
“Instead of being unable to offer any help when people ask us, it’s really lovely to be able to say ‘yes, we can get these things for you’. These women are so grateful when they receive items that they can’t afford themselves.
“We cover Cromer and across the north Norfolk coast, and until now we’ve had to travel all the way into Norwich to access this kind of support. It will make such a difference to have a more local service.”
While the project’s hub will be situated in Marsham, the intention is for the programme to spread organically throughout neighbouring parishes – with collecting bins already installed in nearby churches and other easily accessible public buildings.
Grants, including one from the Diocese of Norwich, have supported the church to install new shelving so that supplies can be efficiently managed and stockpiled to maximise the number of referrals the scheme can provide for.
A devoted band of local volunteers have already been knitting blankets and baby clothes to support the initiative, with many more members of the community having already donated items and money at fundraising events.
Revd Canon Julie Boyd, Team Rector for the Aylsham and District Team Ministry, has been involved with the project since its inception. Discussing its motivations, she said:
“It’s very difficult to ensure you have enough funds to welcome a new child into the world. We want to give young families a literal ‘bump start’ by providing a Moses basket packed full of essential items to show them that people really do care about them.
“Because of the nature of the Church of England, we have parish churches in every place throughout the land – a network of buildings which make initiatives like this possible. It is such a wonderful thing for communities of care, made up of those who do and do not attend church, to come together to be a blessing for those who need some support.”