Thousands of pounds in ill-gotten cash is set to be seized from drug dealers and given to a charity supporting new mums and their babies.
Since the start of last year, Liverpool Crown Court has handed over monies taken from criminals to a charity of the month as part of Operation Payback. May's selected good cause was Baby Basics Liverpool, a volunteer-led project run by Childwall-based Freedom Church Liverpool.
Launched in 2015 "to support vulnerable pregnant women across Merseyside", it provides essentials and equipment to mothers and families in need. It has since given away more than 1,000 of its Moses basket starter packs, offering a space for newborn babies to sleep alongside clothing, toiletries and other equipment.
READ MORE: Drunk burglar fell asleep for four hours but escaped wearing victim's jumper
Centre coordinator Toria Clifton-Brown said: "The cost of living crisis is clearly evidenced in how rapidly demand for our support is rising. Since April last year, demand has risen by more than 93 per compared to the previous year - supporting 392 families from April 2022 to March 2023, compared to 203 in the previous period.
"Sadly, this looks unlikely to slow down. In order to manage this demand, we have employed a part-time centre and volunteer coordinator, expanded our storage and volunteer team and increased the variety of items we try to provide - including cots and prams, as these more expensive items are really prohibitive for many.
"We are also piloting a scheme with Merseyside Police to offer immediate support to the most vulnerable infants in Merseyside. We are enormously grateful for the support of the Operation Payback grant from the courts in continuing to meet these demands amongst the families of Merseyside.
"It feels extremely significant that the proceeds of crime that often contribute to suffering in our wards will go into serving and supporting newborn citizens of our city, perhaps even playing a small part in systemic change. Every gift, grant or donation we receive is spent directly on continuing the work of Baby Basics Liverpool across Merseyside.
"More and more of our referrals are last minute emergencies, where a referrer has identified a mum without the resources she needs to take her newborn home from hospital or visited a baby without a safe place to sleep - sometimes sleeping in a car seat, on the sofa or in a tiny bed with parents. Every starter pack provides well over £100 of items.
"We often hear stories of tears of joy from recipients full of relief, gratitude and wonder that strangers would show this love for them and their children. There can be a lot of stigma about poverty and needing to ask for help, but anyone can find themselves needing somewhere to turn and giving a mum in need the support she needs means supporting the whole family and empowering her afresh - offering some hope, dignity and comfort."
April's charity of the month Blackburne House has received a confirmed total of £6,267.37 through the scheme. Based on Hope Street in Liverpool city centre, the women's organisation is" set up to support the education of women" including "the most vulnerable".
READ NEXT: Woman pleads not guilty to murder of Kasey Anderson
Couple lured old man to flat for sex before attacking him with hammer
Young mum who led double life as Encrochat user 'StiffNinja' has jewellery and property seized
Perverted chef who preyed on girl in Concert Square groped teen on train
Teen told police 'I'm not getting bailed' after stabbing delivery driver
