Empowering Vulnerable Mothers: An Evaluation of the Baby Bundle Program

Angela Hinz; Maddie Cook; Kate Mulgrew; Melissa Redsell; Breanna Solomon

doi:10.25907/01027

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Empowering Vulnerable Mothers: An Evaluation of the Baby Bundle Program

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Empowering Vulnerable Mothers: An Evaluation of the Baby Bundle Program

Angela Hinz, Maddie Cook, Kate Mulgrew, Melissa Redsell and Breanna Solomon

University of the Sunshine Coast

2026

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25907/01027

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Abstract

Applied and developmental psychology

Clinical and health psychology

Social determinants of health

Health services and systems

This study presents the first formal evaluation of A Brave Life's Baby Bundle program, which provides essential perinatal and newborn items to vulnerable new and expecting mothers across Queensland and northern New South Wales. Using a mixed-methods survey design, 318 Baby Bundle recipients were surveyed throughout 2025 to assess the program's impact on wellbeing, parenting confidence, and trust in healthcare services. Findings demonstrate that the program is successfully reaching vulnerable populations, with over 60% of respondents living below the poverty line and 40% residing outside metropolitan areas. Quantitative findings were strongly positive, with over 91% of recipients reporting a positive impact on their wellbeing and nearly 90% reporting increased trust in support services. Qualitative analysis identified five key themes reflected both the immediate positive emotional impact of receiving the bundle as well as its broader psychosocial significance,. Recommendations include the continuation and expansion of the program to 10,000 bundles annually by 2028, with prioritised growth in rural and remote communities, and the pursuit of longitudinal evaluation to assess downstream impacts on healthcare utilisation and perinatal outcomes.

Details

Title: Empowering Vulnerable Mothers: An Evaluation of the Baby Bundle Program
Authors: Angela Hinz (Project Leader) - University of the Sunshine Coast
Maddie Cook (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast
Kate Mulgrew (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast
Melissa Redsell (Author) - A Brave Life (Australia)
Breanna Solomon (Author) - A Brave Life (Australia)
Publication details: 33 pages
Publisher: University of the Sunshine Coast
Date published: 2026
DOI: 10.25907/01027
Copyright note: © The Authors 2026. All rights reserved. This report was produced by researchers from the University of the Sunshine Coast in partnership with A Brave Life. It may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the written permission of the Authors.
Organisation Unit: School of Health - Psychology
Language: English
Record Identifier: 991216652002621
Output Type: Report

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