I’m a little scared to share this but today I launched my first ever crowdfunding project. The aim of the North East Sling Library is to help as many families as possible in the North East to carry their babies big and small. In the nearly  6 years we have been running we have never applied for any form of funding and have self-funded from my savings in the early days and now day to day costs (insurance, new stock, etc) are covered by fees, so this is all very new for us. But I have a very specific plan and this blog is to tell you more.

We currently charge £5 for 2 weeks hire and £8 for 4 weeks (as of 1st May 2017 this will rise to £7 and £10). This can be reduced for families in receipt of means tested benefits (you can read more about this in our mission statement) but I know there are still families who could benefit from our help. This is where crowdfunding comes in.

We have launched a Carriers for All Campaign  with GoFundMe. We are looking to raise £300 to help create a dedicated library of slings that can be hired free of charge for 3 months (and then at a nominal fee of £5 per month) for families with children with additional needs or life limiting conditions, or families experiencing PND (although we may be able to help other families too – the more help we receive the wider our remit can be). We have spent the last 18 months or so sharing stories of how our carriers (or a carrier) has helped families in a number of different situations. Here is a chance to be able to help even more. Families will need to be referred to us via a Health Care Provider (GP, HV, MW, Physio etc). Although, if you see a family you think would benefit but don’t fall under HCP category do send us an email (rachel@northeastslinglibrary.co.uk) and we can see if we can help. Further details of how to apply will be added to our website in the next few days.

We need your help. We initially want to raise £300 but the more we can raise the more families we can help. GoFundMe, unlike some crowd funding sites, pays out any donations, so this is very much an every penny counts project. This money will be used to buy carriers that can be used from birth (including premature baby) to preschool and beyond. There a number of thank you rewards available but we truly hope that people can see the benefit in this project.

I want to say thank you for the bottom of my heart and urge you to support us. To help our campaign just visit our GoFundMe page. It would be amazing if you can share the link too!

Best Wishes

Rachel