Baby Box total passes 3,000 over Christmas

A CHILD born during the festive season has become the 3,000th in the region to receive a Baby Box.

- By EMILY GRAY

North East charity The Children's Foundation is celebrating boosting the start in life for 3,000 babies this Christmas, with first-day essentials, information and support in the form of a Baby Box.

A third of children in the North East live in poverty and these boxes are designed to level the playing field for all youngsters. Baby Boxes include developmentally rich toys, early learning materials, baby essentials and expert guidance to first-time parents.

The scheme has been backed by North East Mayor Kim McGuinness. Since she came into office, Ms McGuinness has expanded the initiative to benefit more families across the region and it is becoming a cornerstone of her strategy to tackle child poverty.

The model combines financial relief with relationship-based support delivered through midwives, health visitors and community partners, easing the pressure on stretched public services and giving families the confidence, tools and knowledge to support their baby's development from birth.