Brondesbury Chapter

London babies and parents experiencing domestic abuse will receive specialist support thanks to a grant from the Freemasons to The For Baby’s Sake Trust. The £60,000 grant will support delivery of the Trust’s For Baby’s Sake programme, which works with families from pregnancy until a child is aged two, where there is domestic abuse in the parental relationship. 

The funding will make a significant difference to families by providing intensive, trauma-informed support through highly trained Therapeutic Practitioners. Therapeutic Practitioners work separately with each parent to address the impact of domestic abuse, improve emotional safety, strengthen parent-infant relationships, and create safer, more stable environments for babies during the earliest and most critical stage of development. The grant will also support wider awareness-raising and partnership work with local services, helping professionals to better understand and respond to domestic abuse in the perinatal period.

It is estimated that around one in five children in the UK are exposed to domestic abuse during their lifetime, with many experiencing this during pregnancy or infancy. Up to 30 per cent of domestic abuse begins or escalates in pregnancy. Exposure to domestic abuse at such an early stage can have profound and long-lasting effects on a child’s brain development, emotional regulation, and future relationships. Babies living with domestic abuse are at increased risk of poor mental health outcomes, developmental delays, and involvement in the care system. Without early intervention, the impact can persist into later childhood and adulthood, contributing to cycles of trauma and harm across generations.

Lauren Seager-Smith, CEO of The For Baby’s Sake Trust said:

“We’re incredibly grateful to the Freemasons for their generous support. Domestic abuse can have a devastating impact on babies and their parents, particularly during pregnancy and the first two years of life. This funding will enable us to reach more families in London with the specialist support they need to create safe, nurturing environments where babies can thrive.”

Will Clayton from the London Freemasons, said:

“I’m very pleased we’ve been able to help The For Baby’s Sake Trust with their hugely important programme for babies and parents. Domestic abuse can lead to serious effects on a child’s development and this wonderful charity is working with them through their crucial first two years.”