Newark & Southwell Methodist Circuit Celebrates One Year of Partnership with Baby Basics Newark & Ashfield. Together we can do more than we can do alone

The Newark & Southwell Methodist Circuit is celebrating a year of remarkable impact through its partnership with Baby Basics Newark & Ashfield, a charity supporting vulnerable expectant mothers and newborn babies across North Nottinghamshire.

What began with a spontaneous answer at Hope Community Methodist Church in February 2024—“a baby bank”—quickly became a calling. Once spoken aloud, the idea gathered momentum, volunteers, prayer, and purpose. Within months, Baby Basics Newark & Ashfield was born.

Today, the project has supported more than 90 vulnerable mums and their babies, providing essential items at one of the most critical moments in family life. Every “Moses basket” bundle contains everything needed for a safe start: a basket and stand, bedding, newborn clothing, wash items, toiletries, and a set of essentials to help each mum begin her journey with dignity, confidence, and hope.

Although rooted at Hope Community Methodist Church, Barnby Gate, Baby Basics has quickly become a Circuit-wide expression of compassion. Churches across the Newark & Southwell Circuit, together with partner congregations in the wider area, have offered prayer, volunteers, donations, storage, and practical help. This shared effort has enabled the charity to reach across the King’s Mill Hospital district and into all areas of North Nottinghamshire, including Worksop, Retford, Mansfield, Sutton-in-Ashfield, and the surrounding communities.

At the end of October, volunteers, supporters, and four of the midwives who regularly refer families gathered to mark one year of action. It was an afternoon filled with gratitude and gentle celebration – an opportunity to recognise not only how far the project has come, but how deeply it has touched the lives of local families.

Baby Basics Newark & Ashfield relies entirely on donations and community support. It is self-funded, volunteer-led, and driven by a powerful vision:
that no family should ever have to choose between essentials such as food, heating, and warm clothing; that no mother should feel alone; and that compassion and justice must remain at the heart of community life.

The charity continues to receive referrals from midwives, health visitors, social workers, tenancy support teams, and community agencies. Donations are welcomed at Hope Community Methodist Church on Tuesdays (11.00–14.00), at Southwell Methodist Church on Wednesday mornings during term time, and at collection points in Mansfield and Sutton-in-Ashfield.

Speaking about the year ahead, organiser Jennifer Winnington acknowledges both hope and trepidation: “We go into the future with faith that God will show us, and others, how we can continue.”

The Methodist Circuit echoes that conviction. Local churches flourish through partnership, and Baby Basics is a powerful example of what is possible when congregations share resources, spread the word, and work together for the wellbeing of their neighbours.

Together, we can do far more than we can alone.