A ROTARY club partnered with a charity to create free 'baby boxes' for expectant mums.
Helen Thomas, of Rhyl Rotary Club, came across Finland's governmental scheme; Finnish mothers have been receiving free 'baby box' of essentials for more than 80 years.
Helen wanted to see how the scheme could be adapted to help deserving mums in the area served by the Rotary club.
She joined forces with Vicky Welsman-Millard, who founded Blossom and Bloom in Rhyl's shopping centre. Together, the women compiled a list of all the items which an expectant mum might need, such as bottles, bibs, baby grows, nappies, blankets, toiletries etc and set to work with the staff based at their well-being hub, packing 20 self-contained boxes for distribution to disadvantaged mums.
Vicky said: "This is a wonderful idea which will enable us to provide much-needed support to mums who need it most at a very special but difficult time for them. Helen, and Rhyl Rotary Club who funded the scheme are to be congratulated for the initiative."
Expectant first time mum Rhian was delighted to be one of the first recipients of a baby box.
She said: "Thank you to Blossom and Bloom and the Rotary Club for giving me the box; it's great and will help us a lot."
Helen, who was the first female President 2022/23 of the 97 year old Rotary club, said: "As a club we are very concerned about social deprivation in our area and we are delighted that the initiative has come to fruition. The first few boxes have been distributed from the Blossom and Bloom well-being hub and are also available through the recommendation of our local midwives who know best the circumstances of each mum to be.
"We are hoping to be able to continue the initiative year-on-year."
The idea of 'baby boxes' catering for the needs of new mums is not new to the Nordic countries and was initiated in Finland decades ago. The country enjoys the lowest infant mortality rate in the world and this is attributed, in part, to the provision of the 'baby box' starter kits.
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Tony Thomas, the current President of Rhyl Rotary Club, said: "We are very proud of this initiative and hope it stimulates interest from other areas throughout Wales and beyond. Well done Helen and Vicky."
To find out more about the services offered by Blossom and Bloom contact the Blossom & Bloom well-being hub on 01745 314050.
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