TODDLERS and babies in Barnsley whose parents have been struggling to give them a suitable space to sleep due to higher-than-average poverty rates being encountered across the town are set to be helped - after county bosses revealed a plan to end so-called ‘bed poverty’.

Working on a referral basis from midwives, health visitors, Barnsley Council and charities, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority cash will provide newborn baskets, cots, cot beds and toddler-sized beds to families in need.

Since last summer - when the programme started in Sheffield, Doncaster and Rotherham - more than 1,500 items have been delivered already.

The Chronicle can reveal a ‘baby bank’ has been established in Barnsley in order to prepare for the roll-out in the town, with county leaders meeting last week to discuss the next steps.

A report said: “We are currently operating in Sheffield, Doncaster and Rotherham but in Barnsley we have had to establish a baby bank and storage space and we are currently working on this.

“We are also working with Goldthorpe Family Hub to build a detailed evidence base of what works, to ensure children have a safe space to sleep.

“Referrals are via trusted professionals only and we have seen referrals from a variety of sources including midwives, health visitors, charity agencies and housing officers.

“There are no criteria for a family to receive support as long as they have a child aged five and under who needs a bed.

“We hope to have deliveries across Barnsley up and running soon.”

SYMCA invested more than £2m into the scheme after a rise in ‘bed poverty’ impacting youngsters was identified.

More than 15,000 children are said to be living in poverty in Barnsley.

South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “By guaranteeing families who need it access to a safe bed, crib, cot or Moses basket, we can make a huge difference.

“That’ll be to education, health and social outcomes later in life as well as reducing the real-life financial pressures facing many families right now.

“Bed poverty presents itself in many ways, including broken beds, mouldy or soiled mattresses and bedding, having no choice but to bed share or an absence of an age-appropriate bed.

“A good night’s sleep has been shown to improve a child’s learning and development.

“This initiative is part of our overarching health strategy, with one of the region’s bold ambitions focused on early-years development.”