A pregnancy charity has been given £1,000 to help support their work with struggling families.

Anwyl Homes Lancashire donated the money to National Childbirth Trust (NCT) Preston, Flyde and District, which will help to create bundles that include nappies, wipes, clothes, blankets, toys, a Moses basket, baby books and toiletries.

The homebuilder also gifted the charity baby grows, vests, dresses, coats, bibs, nappies and comfort toys to pass on to families.

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NCT Preston, Fylde and District was revived last year by a group of volunteers who met doing an NCT antenatal course over Zoom in October 2020. They quickly formed strong friendships and wanted to offer support to other expectant and new parents.

Emma Lowry, from NCT, said: “Having a baby is meant to be a joyful time but the reality is that it can be extremely difficult, and lonely, particularly for low income families.

“NCT is here to support those families to help them give their little ones the best possible start in life.

“Working with health visitors, midwives and family wellbeing services we’re able to identify families in need of support.

“Thanks to donations from local people and businesses, including funding from ‘Love From Anwyl’, we provide them with baby bundles full of essentials to help them through those crucial first few weeks with a newborn.

“By providing the bundles it also helps us share information about NCT, including the work and events we do in and around Preston.

“Our events are a great way for families to meet others with young babies, developing friendships and support networks.”

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Funding received by NCT Preston, Fylde and District was via the Love From Anwyl community pot attached to homes being built at Lawrence Gardens in the semi-rural village of Barton; Stonebridge Fold, close to Longridge town centre; and the recently completed Bluebell Meadows, in Fulwood.

It’s a voluntary scheme, being offered in addition to local investment agreed during the planning process and has seen £5,000 shared amongst good causes in the communities in and around where Anwyl is building.

Marketing manager for Anwyl Homes Lancashire Phoebe Davies said: “As a family-run business, building predominantly family homes, it was an obvious choice for us to support NCT Preston, Fylde and District. I have a young daughter myself and understand how important it is to have a good support network around you.

“We’re also aware that there’s been a spike in families requiring help from food and baby banks in the wake of the pandemic and so these baby bundles will be much-needed.”

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