Kent Sling Library has been unable to provide services in Dartford since the pandemic began. Residents have been travelling to Sevenoaks District to find support with how to use their slings and carriers. We would like to find a new venue for the service and add Kent Cloth Nappy Library services alongside so that families in the area can benefit from learning about using them and have the opportunity to rent them for a small fee (free for those with a low income) so that they can be confident in their decision and receive the support they need to be successful.

What we'll deliver:

• We will deliver at least one library session every month
• We will purchase enough cloth nappies for 2 kits to loan locally
• We will provide training and opportunities for volunteers

Why it's a great idea:

Families report that using slings and carriers has given them more confidence as parents and that they have enabled them to get out and about more easily which reduces their feeling of isolation and loneliness. During the pandemic this has been so important for new parents who have really valued their daily exercise and have been able to access more open spaces when using the sling. Cloth nappies benefit families and the local authority. Disposable nappies contribute to 3% of all household waste. Cloth nappies can save families hundreds of pounds. The cloth nappy library allows families to take them for a test drive so that they can find out the best fit and style for their family so that if they invest in nappies they get it right first time. For every nappy kit hire, almost 250 nappies are saved from waste collection in one month.

Steps to get it done:

• Purchasing the cloth nappies
• Secure a venue
• Launching the monthly sessions

In other areas we have run services, local families have donated unwanted cloth nappies to the library which has enabled us to increase the number of kits available quite quickly. We expect this will happen in Dartford also (if 2 kits seems a low number)