New charity helping mothers in need

By Geraldine Fitzgerald

A new Irish charity dedicated to providing support for pregnant mothers and vulnerable families with small babies struggling to provide for their children is on course to help over 100 families this year in Cork.

Community Connect has already established five hubs in Dublin, Galway, Kilkenny, Athlone and in Cork. They partner with maternity hospitals, homeless agencies, domestic violence services, direct provision centres and health professionals, allowing them to reach those most in need.

The Cork branch is running a Drive & Drop donation weekend on 9 and 10 March.

Poverty in childhood has a massive impact on future outcomes for children, and the Community Connect team is determined to provide practical support at a crucial time.

The new charity will ensure the generosity of donors and volunteers is delivered to people who are in genuine need.

Although welcoming a new baby into the world should be a joyous time, it can be stressful and challenging for those who struggle to afford basic necessities.

Community Connect is leading the way in pioneering a national baby bank in Ireland, while providing Irish parents with a sustainable and trustworthy way to donate their pre-loved baby items to a family who will really benefit.

Volunteers run the busy Cork hub, where every week they meet to prepare packages for families in need all over Cork city and county, as well as surrounding counties.

They need buggies, Moses baskets, and mother and baby packs filled with items like nappies, wipes, maternity items and new baby clothes and blankets.

Their Cork hub is helping 10-15 local families every month and are on course to help over 100 families this year, supporting families with newborns and children up to the age of three.

Most of the families have been referred by the social work team in Cork University Maternity Hospital, as well as Tusla and IPAS centres.

CEO of Community Connect, Elaine Noonan said: “We are seeing demand for the services we provide continuing to grow, and our upcoming Drive & Drop event is a way to donate new baby items to vulnerable families. It couldn't be easier to get involved.

“Donors just need to follow three simple steps: Visit our website communityconnect.ie and click on Drive & Drop to check if their area is listed, browse the list of items requested and decide what they want to donate, and then drop the items to one of our local drop-off locations on Saturday 9 or Sunday 10 March.”

Elaine added: “All the items donated will be delivered to pregnant women and new mothers in need in the coming weeks and months.”

The drop off locations include Midleton, Millstreet, Wilton and Kinsale.

Community Connect also support families sent to them by other charities, who may be supporting families who are struggling, but who don't have the baby items or equipment that the family is in need of.

Safety is the priority for newborn babies, so it’s very important to go through the checklist on the website to ensure the items are suitable for vulnerable newborns.

Elaine said: “We are so grateful to our volunteers and supporters for what we have achieved so far and we hope to continue with this essential work, to help as many pregnant mothers and families with young babies as possible.”