Baby Baskets brings hope to Manchester's most vulnerable families

In the heart of Manchester, a small community project is making an extraordinary difference to the lives of new mothers and their babies. Baby Baskets, run by Moston Methodist Church, has been quietly transforming lives for six years, providing essential support to families in one of Manchester's most deprived areas.

The initiative began following a community audit that identified Moston's high levels of deprivation. Revd Sharon Read, who leads the project, explains: "This was one piece of work that the church could fulfil that was unique to Moston. There are food banks in the area, but Baby Baskets enables us as a church community to help mums in need with everything they need when their baby arrives."

What makes Baby Baskets particularly special is its comprehensive approach to supporting new families. Each basket contains everything a newborn requires: such as a brand-new basket with mattress, baby clothes and toys. The project goes further by including gifts for mothers too like breast pads, creams, lotions, toiletries and even chocolates when available.

The human touch is evident throughout the operation. "Many of them are hand knitted blankets," Sharon notes, highlighting the contribution of local knit and natter groups who create cardigans, mitts, hats and blankets. "There's something special in picking up a bundle of hand knitted items," she adds, emphasising how these personal touches add warmth to each basket.

The project operates through healthcare professionals who make anonymous referrals, ensuring families receive support without stigma. "We do not ever meet the mum. We do not know her name. We don't know her situation," explains Sharon. "We work hard with the midwives and community workers and health visitors and they are the ones who refer."

The impact has been substantial. Over six years, the project has helped an estimated 500 to 700 families, with demand continuing to grow. "We average about one a week. Sometimes it's more," Sharon reveals, noting that some families return for second children, demonstrating the project's ongoing relationship with the community.

However, success brings challenges. The project relies entirely on volunteers who meet every Thursday from 10am to 12pm in the church building. Recent losses within the volunteer team have highlighted the need for more support, particularly in grant applications to maintain funding. "We especially need help in applying for grants at the moment, because then we can financially meet the needs of all of our referrals," Sharon explains.

Despite operating with limited resources, Baby Baskets has built a strong reputation across the Manchester Methodist circuit and beyond, receiving donations from across the country. The project exemplifies how small, community-led initiatives can address specific local needs effectively.

For families arriving in Moston with nothing, as Sharon describes, these baskets provide more than just essential items – they offer hope, dignity, and a tangible demonstration that their community cares. In an area facing significant challenges, Baby Baskets proves that sometimes the most profound differences come from the simplest acts of kindness.