Buggies 4 Brum – Help Children and Families in Need Across Birmingham

Imagine having to take your precious baby to a doctor’s appointment in a shopping trolley instead of a buggy or pram because you don’t have the money to buy one. This is a true story of one Birmingham mother, and it could also be true of countless others, who love and care for their children, but struggle in the face of poverty.


Poverty, Health and Early Death

42% of children in Birmingham live in poverty after housing costs. That’s around 126,000 children aged under 18. Just under 6000 babies are born into poverty each year in Birmingham. 180 of those babies are of low birth weight even if they are full term, about 60 are very low weight – the weight of a small pineapple. About 91 babies will die before their first birthday. Being born early, having a low birth weight and of course living in poverty are all risks that all cluster and increase the risk of death. Babies being born in poverty are both more likely to be exposed to unsafe environments (e.g. a parent’s bed or unsafe transportation) and less likely to access vital healthcare (e.g. because their parents or guardians are unable to easily transport them to a doctor’s appointment), and thus more likely to die at an early age.

(Source: Public Health, Birmingham City Council)


Buggies 4 Brum Launch

Buggies 4 Brum is a new project asking for donations of pre-loved or new buggies or prams to give to families in need across Birmingham City.

The project was launched by Birmingham Play Care Network and Thrive Together Birmingham on Thursday 13 November at the Fort Shopping Centre, Birmingham with support from Birmingham City Council, BVSC and partners.

Those who attended heard from Jo Tonkin, Assistant Director of Public Health, Birmingham City Council about the need to support babies, children and families in poverty, as well as Emma Payne, Birmingham Play Care Network and Louise White, Thrive Together Birmingham about Buggies 4 Brum.

         


How You Can Help

  • Donate a Preloved Buggy or Pram- Our charity partners will repair and refresh it if necessary. Double buggies and newborn prams are especially needed.
  • Make a Financial Contribution – Help us buy new buggies in bulk. Your donation also supports jobs for people back into employment
  • Spread the word – get your employees, volunteers, customers or supporters on board –download the flyer below

Buggies 4 Brum Flyer

More Information

Manage Cookie Preferences