The Babes Project: Mums support service moves to Croydon, gets election pledge

A charity helping vulnerable new mums has a new home and could get a big funding boost after November’s state election. See pictures from the opening.

Baby Elliott enjoys the baby-friendly party atmosphere at The Babes' Project's Aquahub launch event. Picture: Richard Annable.

A Maroondah charity helping new mums battle tough times has received a perfect house-warming gift as it christened its new home.

The Victorian Liberals have pledged $500,000 towards supporting the charity’s services if the Opposition triumphs at the November 26 state election.

The charity, founded by Helen Parker, provides free support for mothers during their peri-natal period including first aid, budgeting, cooking and nutrition classes and information on childbirth and parenting.

“The Babes Project operates thanks to the generosity of passionate people who understand that women need empowering and nurturing care and education for their early parenting,” Ms Parker said.

“We know it takes a village to raise a child, and Babes has been that village for hundreds of new mums facing tough situations, and with very little traditional support around them.”

Croydon state Liberal MP David Hodgett, who holds his seat by a margin of 2.1 per cent, said his party wanted to help the charity’s vital work continue, 10 years after it opened its old centre in Kilsyth South.

“Until The Babes Project, there was very little support available in Croydon for vulnerable women during their pregnancy,” he said.

The election pledge came as The Babes Project opened their new offices at Maroondah Council’s Aquahub complex in Croydon on September 28.

The Babes Project's Helen Parker and Annie Buruma outside the charity's new home at AquaHub in Croydon

“By bringing our service into Aquahub, amid all the great family friendly health and fitness opportunities it provides, we can connect mums with the support they need, and also fun community wellbeing options to help them thrive,” Ms Parker said.

Maroondah Mayor Mike Symon said the council was proud to have helped The Babes Project find a new home and allow more local mums to access its services.

Here’s some pictures from The Babes’ Project’s Aquahub launch, taken by photographer Richard Annable.

Maroondah councillors Rob Steane and Tasa Damante, The Babes Project founder Helen Parker, Maroondah councillor Marijke Graham, and Croydon state Liberal MP David Hodgett at The Babes Project's new base at Aquahub.

The Babes Project mums Jas with baby Anna, and Esther with baby Elliot.

The Babes Project centre manager Annie Buruma chats with mums in the perinatal support program.

The Babes Project mum Mandy and baby Evelyn, with founder Helen Parker, sharing her story at the launch event.

The Babes Project centre manager Annie Buruma cuts the cake at its new base at Croydon's Aquahub.