A NEW project in the Liskeard area is providing all the essentials new parents need.

Baby Basics has been set up by St Cleer cluster vicar Reverend Becca Bell and the team of volunteers gathered at Menheniot Parish Church for an official launch to celebrate what they’ve achieved so far.

This local Baby Basics scheme is part of a nationwide network, offering support to mothers-to-be and families on a low income. From Moses baskets, blankets and baby clothing to nappies and wipes, the project aims to take some of the stress and expense away so that people can focus on enjoying and getting to know their new baby.

Rev Becca was supported with a £400 start-up grant from Liskeard Town Council, and since then, Hunrosa Sleep Consultants have provided funding for 50 mattresses, Asda Bodmin has donated items, and other local businesses have pledged their support. Local people have been donating both new and second-hand baby clothing and items and there’s a donation point at Pensilva Stores.

Volunteers who came to St Lalluwy’s Church to celebrate the start of the project have been very busy washing and ironing donated items and packing up the baskets ready for the expectant and new parents.

Referrals will be made via midwives and health visitors, explained Rev Becca, who said that she was initially surprised by the level of need for the scheme in the Caradon area.

“It’s more than a quarter of families that need additional help in terms of benefits and other support,” she said.

“There are around 35 births each month in this area and of those, 10-15 will need to access additional support.”

Rev Becca added that there will be no forms to fill out for families accessing the service; just a few details will be taken, and midwives will be able to use their discretion to refer people to the scheme even if on paper they are “managing”.

“The idea is that anyone eligible will hopefully have seen a health professional during their pregnancy, so we won’t miss anyone,” she said.

“We’re very glad to be able to meet what is clearly a very big need in this area. We’re starting off doing 0-3 months but eventually we hope to offer equipment and clothes to children up to the age of five.”Anyone who has good quality items to donate should get in touch on [email protected], or look out for the Baby Basics project on Facebook, or alternatively items can be left in the back of Menheniot Parish Church.