Why do I bother?

March 29, 2024Leave a comment

Today, I am feeling just a little bit fed up.

This year, I’ve had to bin a carrier that when it came back was broken and had to file Small Claims Court proceedings for another. That is two carriers (ironically the same model of carrier) that we have to right off in the space of just a few months. They will cost us around £150 to replace.

Small Claims Court is a last resort. I have had to do this 3 times in nearly 13 years. Each time, I have to account for all the actions I have done to try to resolve the issue, pay a fee (that’s taking money away from replacing carrier) and hope. The court has found in our favour each time. Sadly, that doesn’t mean we get paid. For the first two, the carrier was returned or the fees paid. But for the most recent claim, although court has found in our favour; the defendant has not responded, paid fees, returned sling or contacted me. They now have a County Court Judgement against them. This effects credit score etc and will show up if they want to get credit.

The sling library is run around my family and my teaching job. I do it because I want to help. Unfortunately, not everyone who uses the library seems to understand this, or that by not returning sling on time, they are preventing us from helping others and adding an extra layer of stress that isn’t needed.

All I ask, if you borrow a sling, look after it (I don’t mind if it gets dirty) and return it on time! Oh, and pay what’s due.

Can we talk money?

April 5, 2021April 5, 2021Leave a comment

I have run the sling library for almost 10 years. We will celebrate our 10th birthday on 11th July. Over those 10 years, I have helped hundreds of families both in person and online, for free and in paid appointments. There are opportunities for both types of support, but fundamentally consultations appointments cost. I want to explain why.

Since we founded in July 2011, we have only raised on prices from £7-10 for 4 weeks hire, and my consultancy fees have never changed as I have wanted to keep the sling library accessible to as many families as possible. Sling hire (excluding postage costs) around 33p a day and I will keep it as low as possible for as long as possible. While we were building the sling library, it was entirely self-funded, we have never received any funding and this will be the case for majority of sling libraries. It is surprising, but we are not funded like breastfeeding support etc. Some libraries are lucky to have received charity funding but this is not the case for everyone. Yet, there are regularly people who ask why they have to pay to see a carrying consultant.

There is a limit on what support I can give in a library setting or free via online support groups, and this is where a consultation is more preferable option. A consultation is your chance for a personalised service. I would never imagine or expect my chiropractor, physiotherapist, hairdresser, podiatrist or beautician to provide a free service (if lockdowns have taught us anything it is the value of these services), yet it is a common experience amongst carrying consultants. There are many reasons for this. I feel these primarily come from the relative newness of our industry and that traditionally carrying was a skill passed from generation to generation.

Why does it cost?

Training with 3 different carrying schools since 2012
Annual liability insurance to keep you and me safe
Professional body memberships (BABI and now ACESL)
Travel costs associated with attending CPD
Buying slings to stay up to date with the market and to allow you the a wide selection
Marketing and advertising
Personalised service dedicated to your needs
30-90 minute private appointment in a dedicated consultation space
Pre and post consultation support via email/Facebook etc
Making of support materials
The knowledge I have amassed, the ability to spot small tweaks that will improve comfort and fit
In current climate, risk assessments and enhanced Covid secure measures (extra cleaning, masks etc)
Charging for consultants allows me to also then offer free appointments to those in need, and the ability to offer free support online

NESL is here to help you make informed decisions based on our knowledge and skills, and current research and best practice, if you feel you need more support. We will continue to improve our skills through training, Continuous Professional Development and practise, but ultimately that means there will be a cost.

That’s why I and carrying consultants around the country charge.

Fundraising for Mind – breast pump donation

June 20, 2018June 20, 2018Leave a comment

In February, we successfully crowdfunded over £500 which we split between two charities (Mind and Medicines Sans Frontiers) and the sling library. Well the lovely people at Nuby have once again been exceedingly generous and given us their last remaining stock following redesign and launch of a new pump. That is 40 brand new breast pumps available for new homes for well.,..what ever you think they are worth. We are going to keep some spares here but will have at least 30 to send to new families in return for your donation.

As many of you are aware I have set myself a summer of running and your money will go to the sling library chosen charity – Mind UK. This charity is close to my heart and I have seen first hand the work they do. So far this year, I have already completed RED January, the Sunderland Half and Blaydon Race. In 2 weeks, it is the Great North 10k and 4 weeks today, the Durham City 10k before GNR in September.

Key features of the pump

Dual action Electric breast pump set. Product supplied with UK plug and English instructions only.
Adapter to allow for use as a manual pump
Memorizes personalized rhythm, fast rhythm to encourage milk flow; slow to express gently
Flex Neck silicone Horn and hygienic cover
Breast pump standing cradle
Includes 150ml bottle , a silicone storage lid, 6 disposable breast pads, Breastpump standing cradle.

How to get yours!

1) Make a donation via our JustGiving page. Please ensure you put your name and that it is for a pump.

2) Send is a message via email to rachel@northeastslinglibrary.co.uk to arrange collection.

3) If you can’t collect, we can post but ask that you cover postage and pay this via BACS or friends PayPal. It’s £3.95 for 2nd signed for delivery.

Voila!!

How much can we raise this time? Let’s smash my target and help Mind to help even more families. Mental Health doesn’t just affect one person but the whole family. 1 in 4 people will suffer from mental health issues in their lifetime. Let’s help fight it.

Carriers for All Campaign

April 5, 2017April 4, 2017Leave a comment

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

The day I have been dreading arrived.

May 29, 2016Leave a comment

Yesterday was a day of celebration as we attended a family wedding. It also marked a milestone. It was the first major occasion where I didn’t sling.

Despite Isaac getting up at 4.50am, he never flagged. He sang, danced and partied the night away until 9.40pm when exhausted he did collapse. Henry was also tired, so it was time to go home. I did have a Ring Sling with me: a Woven Wings Leaf Gold conversion, chosen as it matched my outfit. It was also the sling Isaac had chosen from the two available. The other being a Pavo Coy Hearts ring sling conversion.

I was sad. My husband didn’t let me out Isaac in the sling at 9.40 as he said it was “for your benefit only”. Carrying Isaac has been part of my parenting toolkit. Slings are part of my fabric. I can honestly say I felt heartbroken. My baby is not a baby anymore. He starts school in September. Last night when he was exhausted I wanted to carry him. It is what I have always done. I did feel like part of me was missing. The carries we have had over the last 4 years have been a major part of our relationship. They are what got us through the difficult days, the lack of sleep, reflux, the sleep apnea, teething, countless chest infections and just those bad days. Now to embrace the in arms cuddles from the fiercely independent little boy.