Pub hosts fun day backing Facebook group's mission to help new parents
A pub landlady has answered a call for help from a group which helps parents struggling to provide for their babies – raising more than £1,000 and a lot of smiles along the way.
The volunteer-run Brierley Hill Baby Bank was formed six months ago to help young parents, care leavers, victims of domestic abuse and working parents.
Members hosted a family fun day on Bank Holiday to help bring in much needed funds.
Lisa Sutherland, who runs The Britannia Inn in High Street, Wollaston, Stourbridge, read about the group and was impressed.
She said: “I knew straight away it was something that I wanted to be involved with.
“The reason I’m so passionate about the group is that they don’t discriminate against parents who are working.
“These days if you don’t tick all the government boxes it can be hard for them.
“You’re penalised if you work, the help’s just not there. My little sister has worked out that she will only be able to afford to take six months maternity leave. The Brierley Hill group really stood out for that reason.”
She hosted a family fun day at the pub with a dinosaur show, bouncy castle, unicorn, raffle, craft stalls, face painting and a barbecue. Helpers also went round with donation buckets.
Lisa said she was pleased the event had brought people together. And it proved a huge success as hundreds turned out on the day.
“It was really about getting families together. A few hundred people came and went over the day. It was a wonderful event,” said Lisa.
Parents are referred to the baby bank through professional services and are provided with a pack suitable for their baby’s age.
These can include items such as nappies, clothing and toys.
The money raised on Monday will go towards relocating the group to bigger premises so that they will be able to help more families.
For more details visit the charity's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Brierleyhillbaby
