The Hope Centre in St Helens has marked a major milestone this week, celebrating the 10th anniversary of its Baby Basics scheme, a project that has supported over 750 newborn babies and their mothers across the community.
Over the past decade, Baby Basics volunteers have assembled hampers filled with essential items for new babies from disadvantaged backgrounds, along with vital support packages for their mothers. These hampers include clothing, toiletries, books, and other baby care necessities and a pamper pack for new mums.
But Baby Basics is much more than hampers. The project also provides prams, baby bouncers, practical advice, and additional support, complementing the Centre’s wider services, which include a Hope House Homeless Day Centre, St Helens food bank, Breathe – mental health support, and a range of community outreach initiatives which have been running for over 20 years.
Marie Rimmer MP, who has been a proud associate of The Hope Centre since the launch of the project said:
“True wealth for a child is love and support from the moment they are born, and thanks to this incredible scheme, over 750 babies have received just that.
I couldn’t be prouder of the Baby Basics initiative and the extraordinary people, both staff and volunteers, who make it all happen. That’s why I was honoured to present The Hope Centre with a Community Engagement Award in recognition of their tireless work. In truth, they deserve a dozen of them.”
Angela Metcalfe, Project Director of The Hope Centre, reflects…
“It’s been an incredible journey over the past ten years. What began as a small act of kindness has grown into a vital source of support for hundreds of families across our community. We are so grateful to every volunteer, donor, and partner who has helped make Baby Basics what it is today — a place of hope, dignity, and practical love for new mums and their babies.
The Hope Centre continues to serve as a vital lifeline for many in St Helens.
To find out more about The Hope Centre and how to support their work, visit: https://hopecentre.org.uk
To donate directly, go to: https://hopecentre.org.uk/donate
