Blue Skies Hospitals Fund has provided funding for a range of sensory and developmental resources to support the Baby Steps programme, helping local families build strong bonds with their babies from the very beginning.
Baby Steps is an antenatal and postnatal programme available to Blackpool residents. The programme consists of five antenatal sessions designed to help parents prepare for parenthood, followed by two postnatal sessions where families come back together with their new babies. These sessions provide an opportunity for parents to reflect on their early experiences, connect with local community activities and enjoy a safe and supportive space to play, learn and bond with their babies.
Throughout the programme, facilitators focus on promoting healthy child development, perinatal and infant mental health, and the importance of attachment and bonding between parents and their children.
Thanks to a £221.88 from Blue Skies, the programme now has access to a variety of resources. These include black and white sensory toys, sensory cards, baby rattles, ribbon rings, maracas, colourful silk scarves, a foil blanket, soft baby books and 4 large soft play mat.
The equipment will help parents interact and communicate with their babies, supporting them to recognise their baby’s cues and develop confidence in responding to their needs. These early interactions play a vital role in a child’s development and help strengthen the bond between parent and baby.
The Baby Steps sessions are facilitated through local Family Hubs, the Blue Skies funded items are expected to benefit between 100 and 200 babies, along with their parents, every year.
Blue Skies Hospitals Fund is proud to support initiatives such as Baby Steps, helping give families across Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre the best possible start and ensuring that funding benefits people of all ages within our local communities.
Thank you to everyone who supports Blue Skies. Your generosity continues to fund projects and equipment that make a real difference to patients, families and communities across our Trust.
