The idea that every family will receive an identical baby box, regardless of circumstance, has long been in place in Finland and was recently introduced in Scotland. The box contains some baby essentials such as baby grows and muslins, as well as some personalised Lincolnshire Police items. The box provides a safe place for each baby to sleep should the parents choose to use this option.
Chief Insp Suzanne Davies said: “We are a family force and so we see a new baby as an addition to that family.”
Kate Rogers, Lincolnshire Police HR advisor, said: “With each box presented to a police officer a donation will be made to the St George’s Police Children’s Trust which is a registered charity providing financial support to children and young people whose police officer parent has either lost their life or had an illness preventing them from being able to work. With each box presented to a member of police staff, a donation will also be made to the Rainforest Ward at Lincoln County Hospital which provides excellent care for sick children in our county.”
Rainforest ward play leader Donna Wilkinson added: “Amazing! Such a good idea for new mums and dads, who are often a bit dazed, as it will start them off in the right way. It involves everyone else in the joy. And to benefit the hospital as well… that’s just brilliant. Thank you to everyone involved for thinking of us.”
The Police Baby Box was launched at Nettleham police headquarters and attended by new parents Rob Sim and Kirstie Taylor with baby Jonathan (13 weeks), Charlie and Rachel Harrison with baby Laurie (20 weeks), Wellbeing Coordinator Karen Gardner, Chief Constable Bill Skelly, Donna Wilkinson from Rainforest Ward, Kate Rodgers from Human Resources, mum-to-be Hayley Bracegirdle with daughter Erin, three, and Chief Insp Suzanne Davies who has led the project.
PC Hayley Bracegirdle will be the first expectant mum to receive a box. For staff adopting, their child may have outgrown the box and so will receive an alternative age appropriate gift to welcome their new addition.