Northamptonshire charity that helps struggling parents and infants to bond could be 'months from closure'

The charity has made a desperate plea for help
Chris Lofts of NorPIPChris Lofts of NorPIP
Chris Lofts of NorPIP

A Northamptonshire charity which supports the vulnerable parents and infants could close down.

Funding problems, accelerated by the ongoing Covid-19 crisis, could lead to the closure of the Northamptonshire Parent Infant Partnership (NorPIP).

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NorPIP is a charity that works with mums and dads who find it difficult to form a relationship with their babies.

One mum said: "When I used to look at my baby, all I could see was a piece of meat, like in butchers. I didn’t love her like her brother, I kept expecting someone to come along and collect her. Through therapy from Norpip, I truly love her now”

These early year experiences can harm children for life so Norpip helps to get them off to the best start in life.

Chairman of Norpip Chris Lofts said: "The stark reality of the pressures and issues around anxiety and depression among new parents has been brought home with the Meghan Markle interview and the debate over mental health.

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“Our families have suffered loneliness and isolation during the pandemic but our funding is getting tighter and tighter – it is a real fear we only have a few months left before closing."

Fundraising, donations and support from businesses and individuals is needed urgently and Norpip is appealing to anyone who can help with fundraising, gifts or other support to get in touch.

Mr Lofts said: "This is a plea from the heart – we provide a safe, confidential space for families to speak to a specially qualified and experienced therapist.

“We help parents work through these difficult feelings and most importantly, find love for their babies.

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“There is no greater gift we can give children then a loving caring family, no greater gift we can give a parent then the ability to love their child free from worry. If you can, please help us continue this work."

Another mum said: "I had thoughts about driving into oncoming traffic, with my baby in the car. I just wanted us both dead.

“NorPIP has helped me to find love for my baby. I wouldn’t dream of harming either of us now.”

NorPIP was founded in 2011 by MP Andrea Leadsom, who is currently chairing a government review of the experience of families during the crucial first 1,001 days of their babies’ lives.

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If you can help, please contact Sophie Harding on 01604 924735, email [email protected], or visit www.norpip.org.uk

You can also go to the charity's website to find details of their Just Giving page and other ways to donate.

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