Brierley Hill Baby Bank appeal for funding towards new home
A charity, which helps support parents struggling to provide food and clothing for their babies, is asking for donations to help it relocate.
The Brierley Hill Baby Bank, a not-for-profit service, run entirely by volunteers, is trying to secure larger, permanent premises.
Maz Page, 39, founded the baby bank six months ago after working with a local food bank.
She noticed there was a lack of help available for struggling parents with babies.
The service helps young parents, care leavers, victims of domestic abuse and working parents, such as mothers struggling on maternity leave.
Maz said: “We’re a small group of volunteers and we’re not paid, we do this so we can help all of the families we can in our community.
“It’s not just young parents who need our help, we’re noticing it across the board.
“There are a number of working parents who are now being referred to us and it’s just as much about helping them as it is anyone else.”
The organisation receives donations from members of the community as well as local shops and charities.
Suitable
Parents are referred through professional services, the baby bank then provides them with a pack suitable for their baby’s age.
The packs can include items such as nappies, a Moses basket, clothing and toys.
Maz and her team are struggling to cope with the restricted space in their current premises and want to find somewhere larger and that is easily accessible.
She said: “A lot of the people we help want to give something back, even if that’s volunteering for a few hours a week, but we can’t do that where we are now.”
The baby bank is hosting a family fun day on August 26 at The Britannia Sports Bar, in Wollaston, to boost funds.
A BBQ, a raffle, a bouncy castle and kids’ favourite Chase from Paw Patrol as well as a number of other activities to keep the family entertained.
As well as the fun day, a crowdfunding page has also been set up where donations can be made.
All of the money raised will go towards funding the next 12 months of rent for the baby bank, which Maz hopes will eventually become a hub for the community.
For more details visit the charity's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Brierleyhillbaby
