Camden (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Camden Council and CNWL have launched a one-year £500 pregnancy grant pilot to support financially vulnerable expectant mothers in the borough.
In collaboration with the local NHS, Camden Council’s Children’s Centres and Family Hubs and Money Advice service are reaching out to qualified expectant parents to give them a £500 cash award to assist with pregnancy expenses and baby-related preparations.
Simultaneously, qualified expectant parents will be urged to visit their neighborhood Children’s Center and Family Hub to look into additional resources and socialization possibilities. Through this one-year pilot, up to 800 parents are expected to get support.
Pregnant people who fulfill certain requirements, such as being recipients of Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, or Council Tax Support, are eligible for this cash grant.
The launch of the trial program follows the declaration of a taskforce to examine Camden’s child poverty problem. Sir Michael Marmot, a professor of epidemiology at University College London and the director of the Institute of Health Equity, will co-chair the Raise Camden Taskforce with Council Leader Councillor Richard Olszewski.
The initiative was created by Camden Council based on research done with Camden parents by Nesta, an innovation foundation. Following its launch, Nesta will also conduct an assessment of the pilot program.
Councillor Anna Wright, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care said:
“Studies have found a link between parents experiencing financial pressure and the low birth weight and poorer health outcomes for their children.
We want to take away this inequity and provide help and support at what can be a really stressful moment for expectant parents, to give their child the best chance for a healthy life.”
Councillor Camron Aref-Adib, Cabinet Member for Finance and Cost of Living said:
“We want to work with partners across Camden to put an end to child poverty in Camden and that means supporting parents who are in greatest financial need before their child is even born.
This is not just a form of financial help, but crucially the start of a connection into the many support services we offer for parents through our Children’s Centres and Family Hubs. This offer includes help with how to care for the baby and child, money, welfare and job advice and much more.”
Graeme Caul, Chief Operating Officer at CNWL, said:
“CNWL is proud to support this important initiative. We’re committed to working in close partnership with Camden Integrated Early Years Service (IEYS) to deliver coordinated, holistic care for families across Camden.
This pilot programme represents more than financial assistance – it aims to foster meaningful connections between families in need, their local Family Hubs, and the wider community. By offering tailored, responsive, and accessible services, we strive to ensure every family receives the support they need, when they need it.”
Mary-Alice Doyle, Principal Researcher for Fairer Start at Nesta, said that getting the right support during pregnancy can make a big difference for babies and their parents.
This pilot is an opportunity to offer much-needed help directly to hundreds of families during a critical time, while getting insights into whether and how this approach could apply elsewhere.
They are pleased to be working closely with the Council’s project team to design and evaluate this promising new approach, ensuring it provides the best possible support and evidence.
The £500 cash grant recipients are free to spend the funds however they see fit, and this will not have an impact on benefit payments.
The first 1,001 days, from pregnancy to age two, are particularly crucial, and receiving assistance at an early age can significantly impact a child’s future.
Parenting may be rewarding, enjoyable, and challenging at times. We’re here to support Camden parents throughout their parenting journey, anytime they need it.
Free help is available to families from pregnancy until age 19, or up to age 25 for children with special educational needs (SEND) or disabilities, at Camden’s Children’s Centres and Family Hubs.
This comprises:
- Midwife clinic accessibility, family health visits, and assistance with breastfeeding
- Locating parenting classes in the area
- Holiday play plans and after-school clubs
- Obtaining Youth Assistance
- Free childcare and early education
- Well-being and mental health
- Support for your family that you can give at home
- Advice regarding training, jobs, perks, and volunteer possibilities
- Assistance for kids with disabilities and special educational needs (SEND)
- Childcare and nursery
- Encouragement of your child’s communicative abilities
Locals can visit Families – Camden Council to learn more about Camden’s Family Hubs and Children’s Centres.
Go to http://families.camden.gov.uk/support-for-parents/parent-health-welfare/pregnancy-grant to learn more about the £500 Camden Family Hubs Pregnancy Grant.
How does the pilot scheme support pregnant residents in financial need in Camden?
The Camden Family Hubs Pregnancy Grant, which gives eligible expectant parents a one-time £500 cash grant, is the main way that Camden’s pilot program helps pregnant citizens in need of financial assistance.
This grant lowers the additional expenses associated with pregnancy and childbirth, enabling applicants to use the funds anyway they see fit, whether for bills, nutritious meals, transportation to prenatal visits, or other pregnancy-related costs.
Crucially, obtaining this grant has no bearing on other financial aid or benefits.
In order to provide individualized, comprehensive support during pregnancy, Family Hubs Navigators may also proactively contact grant winners to direct them through the resources that are offered.
In addition to easing immediate financial strains, this integrated approach seeks to improve the health of both parents and infants by establishing long-lasting links to community resources.