The NSPCC is piloting its newly redeveloped Baby Steps programme from three regional hubs, including one in the South West, to help expectant parents navigate the challenges of caring for a newborn.
Baby Steps is designed to build parents’ confidence and skills during the perinatal period through practical guidance and emotional support.
Andrew Freeman, assistant director for the NSPCC’s South West hub, said: “The first stages of a baby’s life can feel overwhelming to parents, as they take on new challenges every day to give their child the best start in life.
“It is such an important time for a child’s development, and perinatal services, like Baby Steps, can be an enormous support to help parents navigate that exciting and sometimes difficult period.
“Here in the South West, we are proud to be leading the way in rolling out the service and supporting parents and children across the region.”
The service was officially launched at an event hosted at BT headquarters in London, attended by HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh, patron of the NSPCC.
The programme launch comes as the NSPCC Helpline revealed it referred more than 3,800 children under the age of two to external agencies, including the police and social services, in 2024/25.
This figure accounts for 18 per cent of all referrals made by the Helpline on behalf of children during the year.
Chris Sherwood, CEO of the NSPCC, said: “It’s always such a privilege to be part of a Royal visit and we were delighted that HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh was able to join us to celebrate our Baby Steps service.
“As this new NSPCC Helpline data illustrates, raising children in the first couple of years of their lives can be an extremely difficult time for parents, and it is so important that they are able to access support.
“Our Helpline hears firsthand from parents who are struggling with the pressures of a newborn, or from concerned members of the community.
“The Baby Steps service provides building blocks to help parents navigate the very first stages of a child’s life to ensure they thrive.”
The NSPCC also offers a range of advice and resources for families at nspcc.org.uk/advice-for-families.
This includes information to support parents and carers and help them raise a baby safely, offering advice on how to bond with a child.
Parents seeking help and guidance can also contact the NSPCC Helpline for support.
They can also email babysteps@nspcc.org.uk.
