More than 600 children and 400 mothers seeking asylum will receive vital support thanks to a £60,000 grant from London Freemasons to The Happy Baby Community. The funding will expand the charity’s Every Child Can Thrive programme, which supports the physical and mental health of young children and their mothers.
The initiative provides targeted help in multiple languages to reduce isolation and trauma among families in need. Children under five in the asylum system often face extreme hardship, including poverty, overcrowded housing, poor nutrition, and limited access to essentials such as nappies, clothes and buggies.
These conditions can lead to developmental delays and health issues, including skin infections and weakened immunity. The programme operates through six community hubs across Greater London and Surrey, running 180 sessions a year.
Families benefit from activities such as storytelling, music, and creative play to encourage social and cognitive development, while nutritious meals and weekly ‘Growing Strong Bags’ of fresh produce help improve children’s diets. Practical support, including clothing and baby equipment, is also provided.
In the past year, the charity delivered more than 11,600 meals, distributed over 1,200 items of clothing, and provided 126 buggies to families. It also ran 217 specialist sessions for children under three, with almost 7,000 attendances recorded.
Lucy Bracken, co-director at The Happy Baby Community, said: “Thanks to the generous support from London Freemasons, we’re able to reach hundreds more vulnerable young children at a critical time in their development. With this funding, we can expand our services and develop new ways to help families overcome isolation and trauma.”
Paul King, from London Freemasons, added: “We’re proud to support The Happy Baby Community and its Every Child Can Thrive programme. This work is making a real difference to vulnerable families, giving children the best possible start in life.”
The grant was awarded through the Masonic Charitable Foundation, funded by Freemasons and their families across England, Wales and the Channel Islands.