Bumps and Beyond opens new support for parents and grandparents in West Street, Stamford

A charity that began in a cupboard in Stamford Hospital has celebrated moving to large new premises.

Bumps and Beyond provides parents, grandparents and carers with clothing and equipment to help take some of the expense and strain out of parenting.

Founded by Alice Scott in 2009, the charity now stocks hundreds of items of clothing for babies and children aged up to 11 years, as well as cots, prams, toys, feeding and maternity items. These are all made available for free, although donations are welcomed by the charity.

Alice, who continues to be one of its trustees was at the official launch of Bumps and Beyond’s new display room and sorting room, within the former Westside Gym in West Street, Stamford.

Mayor of Stamford Andy Croft cut the ribbon on Wednesday evening (September 13) in front of invited guests, including volunteers, trustees and supporters.

The move to the larger premises was made possible by a grant from the National Lottery Community Fund applied for by Alice’s husband, Ian.

Ian is a keen fundraiser for the charity, having trekked around the Isle of Wight and in the Himalayas to raise thousands of pounds to support its work.

He also used his business skills to apply for the National Lottery money, which is covering three years’ rent for the new space - the display room and a room in which donated items are sorted and cleaned.

Charity trustee Sophie McCarthy spoke at the opening to thank Katy Roberts from the National Lottery, Stamford XT for helping to furnish the display room, and the Bishop of Lincoln Social Justice Fund, which donated towards moving costs.

Bumps and Beyond was in a smaller, two-floor unit in West Street and the steps made it tricky for some parents and grandparents to visit. Now all on the ground floor, the new location is more accessible and spacious.

Sophie added: “Since we opened our doors here in June 2023 we have tripled the number of clients we are able to help and as more people hear about us we expect that to grow even further.

“We have also been able to open an extra day a week as well as increase the age range up to 11 years old.”

Alice has now handed over as chairperson of the trustees to Vanessa Burton, who has assisted alongside her since 2015.

To find out more about Bumps and Beyond, the charity’s website is at bumps-and-beyond.org