A SOUTH Somerset charity team has received a boost after the Duchess of Cambridge announced a new initiative supporting baby banks.

Baby Basics is a national charity which began in in 2009, and the first Somerset branch launched in Monks Yard near Ilminster in June 2016.

The group provides practical help for new mothers unable to afford the basic items needed for life with a newborn baby.

The South Somerset branch sits under the Monks Yard church charity. Last year it responded to 99 referrals and so far through the Covid-19 pandemic has helped a further 62 families.

Lisa Osborne, team leader at Baby Basics South Somerset, said: “During this challenging time we have seen an increased need for our service.

“The project works on a referral basis and so we work with our local health and social care professionals in Ilminster, Chard and the surrounding villages - as well as Taunton, Yeovil, Bridgewater and further afield.

“We do not have any contact with the mums themselves as all our work is done through the professionals.”

Starter packs include a moses basket with a brand new mattress, giving the baby a safe place to sleep, and then are packed full of toiletries for both mum and baby, along with bedding, blankets, baby towels as well as baby clothing and more.

Lisa added: “Most of the items we give away have been donated by our community, therefore we rely heavily on donations in order to sustain our service. We have a great following on our Facebook page, which allows us to share pictures of our completed starter packs as well as share the items we are most in need of.

“The project is run by a small team of 8 committed volunteers who manage referrals, sort and pick items ready for our packs, do washing and ironing, who pack each starter pack and also help with fundraising.”

Earlier in 2020, The Duchess of Cambridge helped pack essential bundles for vulnerable children at a Baby Basics branch.

Inspired by the work of these charities, The Duchess of Cambridge has brought together nineteen British Brands to donate items to three baby banks across the UK, including Baby Basics.

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 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.

“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 time.”