Giving Families a Stronger Start: Supporting Mama to Mama Baby Bank
The earliest years of a child's life can shape what follows. For families already facing financial hardship, isolation or other difficult circumstances, having consistent support during those years can make an important difference.
The Kent Reliance Community Foundation has awarded £23,799 to Mama to Mama Baby Bank to help deliver a two-year programme supporting parents and young children in Thanet.
Mama to Mama is the only baby bank operating in Thanet and works with families with children aged 0–5 living below the poverty line.
Families are referred through local professionals and organisations including Kent County Council, schools, Family Hubs and partner charities, helping ensure support reaches those who need it.
Alongside providing baby clothes, hygiene products, nappies and childcare equipment, Mama to Mama offers one-to-one assistance, wellbeing groups and wider support for families navigating complex circumstances.
It also coordinates an Early Years Network bringing together more than 150 local stakeholders.
Our grant will part-fund Mama to Mama's Early Years Pathway, a structured two-year programme of free wellbeing groups in Margate.
Across 108 sessions, up to 60 unique families each year – more than 220 individuals in total – are expected to benefit.
Activities will include infant feeding support led by a qualified Postnatal Doula and Lactation Consultant, alongside Create & Chat and Nature's Playground sessions designed to encourage social connection, early literacy and parental confidence.
Crucially, the funding will enable Mama to Mama to move from sporadic sessions to a reliable programme, giving families access to a consistent support network throughout their child's preschool years.
Jonathan Couch, Head of Grants, said: "Sometimes the greatest long-term impact comes from providing the right support early. Mama to Mama already helps families with immediate practical needs, but the Early Years Pathway goes further by creating consistent relationships, building parents' confidence and giving children positive experiences during such an important stage of their development. We're very pleased to help turn that support into a dependable two-year programme."
The grant will help Mama to Mama combine practical assistance with longer-term support, strengthening connections between families and helping parents and young children build confidence and resilience together.
For more information about the Mama to Mama Baby Bank and its work, visit Mama to Mama | Baby bank charity in Thanet.