This index has been compiled with the generous co-operation of the many organisations involved in real nappy partnerships. WEN would like to thank everyone who participated in its creation. The information published has been provided by the 'partnerships' and there are not yet any national standard methods for information gathering and calculations. Publication here does not imply endorsement by WEN of any particular methodology.

If you are actively promoting real nappies in partnership with another organisation and would like your scheme to be included in our index please e-mail nappies@wen.org.uk

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Partners
Staffordshire County Council Contact: Jane Paynter Tel: 01785 277682 Email: jane.paynter@staffordshire.gov.uk

Stafford Reusable Nappy Group

Nappies for Real

The Bottom Line

Changing Ways

Tamworth Borough Council

South Staffordshire Council

Lichfield District Council

East Staffordshire Borough Council

Stafford Borough Council

Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council

Staffordshire County Council

Notes
Funding:
Each local authority has contributed towards the cost of the promotional leaflets. Staffordshire County Council funds the incentive scheme payments. Money paid to users is based on savings made on County Council household waste disposal costs.

Scheme history:
The scheme was developed as a result of a group of local mums, Staffordshire Reusable Nappy Group, getting in touch with the County Council. They wanted to promote the use of cloth nappies to others within their region. West Sussex’s cashback scheme became well known and it was decided that Staffordshire could adopt a similar scheme. Several local parents set up businesses selling cloth nappies. The County Council worked with them to develop a suitable administrative procedure to implement a financial incentive scheme. A nappy laundry scheme was also developed by Nappies for Real. The Staffordshire Real Nappy Incentive Scheme was finally launched in September 2002.

Scheme:
This incentive scheme is available to all Staffordshire residents excluding Stoke-on-Trent as it is a unitary authority. Parents fill out an application form (which is found on the leaflet) and return it to the County Council. This application form is then forwarded to either The Bottom Line (nappy company) or Changing Ways (lollipop agent), depending on the address of the applicant. According to the age of the baby up to three payment forms are then posted to the applicant. £10 payments are made on a six monthly basis; the first payment is made between 0-6 months, the second between 7-12 months and the final payment between 13-18 months. The applicant completes the first payment form, gets it signed by a health professional and returns it to The Bottom Line or Changing Ways who issues a £10 cheque. If the parent wishes to purchase goods from The Bottom Line or Changing Ways then the £10.00 may be deducted from their invoice. The Bottom Line and Changing Ways then submit monthly invoices to Staffordshire County Council for the payments that they have made to parents plus an administrative fee. Parents using the laundry service provided by Nappies for Real may also claim cash back.

Promotion:
Meetings have been set up for local health professionals such as midwives and health visitors to inform them of the scheme. A promotional leaflet about the scheme is widely distributed. Press releases are written and publicity has been gained from events for example, Real Nappy Week.

Achievements:
There are over 200 babies registered with the incentive scheme. By working with local businesses nappies have become more accessible, thus more awareness of the issues surrounding waste management has been made.

Future plans:
To further raise awareness of the scheme across the whole county as some areas have a low take up. To create stronger links with Sure Start, local midwives, health visitors and hospitals.