Mothers and babies set to benefit from new sensory playpark

The team from the Kingfisher Mother and Baby Unit stand beside a sign outside the unit while displaying the Carer Friendly Tick Award certificate.

Plans to develop a new playpark at Hellesdon Hospital's Kingfisher Mother and Baby Unit have moved forward thanks to £30,000 of funding from Norfolk County Council.

Following a delegated cabinet decision, Norfolk County Council has agreed to use £30,000 of the Government's Best Start in Life Family Hub's funding for the new sensory playpark, which will help mothers, their babies and families, spend time together whilst promoting recovery and improving attachment.

The playpark will be located within the grounds of Hellesdon Hospital and will help link families with further support and resources at the nearby Family Hub, based at Hellesdon Community Centre, which is a 10 minute walk from the hospital.

The play area will cost approximately £60,000 with Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust contributing the remainder of the funding required to complete this project.

Cath Byford, Chief Patient Experience Officer and Deputy Chief Executive of Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We are delighted to receive this investment for the Kingfisher Mother and Baby Unit. Creating a dedicated sensory playpark will provide a calm, supportive space for mothers, their babies and their family network, at a time when they need it most.

"This funding from the Best Start programme will make a meaningful difference to the experience of mothers in our care, and we're grateful to Norfolk County Council's Family Hubs team for their partnership in bringing this project to life."

Penny Carpenter, Cabinet Member for Children's Services at Norfolk County Council said: "This project demonstrates our commitment to supporting vulnerable children and families at the earliest opportunity. The sensory playpark will provide a safe, supportive space for families during a challenging time, helping to strengthen relationships and support recovery.

"It aligns with our Best Start Family Hubs programme, which is all about ensuring families get help as early as possible. This is an approach and response to children and families, that supports our shared ambition for Norfolk's children to be able to flourish."

Construction work on the new play area will begin later this year and the area will be open before the end of 2026.