Baby bank is a constituted community group created to provide the borough of tower hamlets with free and accessible children’s clothes and toys. We collect and store donated items and redistribute them to the community through dedicated events held at local community and children’s centres. We also provide items to families in need in between events where necessary. We hold on average 1-2 events per month and try our best to vary the venues in order to serve all parts of the borough.
Just as people are becoming more in need of food banks, Baby Bank is there to provide much needed support in clothing for children where families are finding it increasingly difficult to purchase new clothing for their growing children. We are also encouraging the community to always try to recycle clothing rather than disposing of them when they no longer fit their child. Families accessing the Baby Bank Project can donate the items they no longer need and use, exchange their items for needed items or simply take what they need. We understand that some families have nothing to contribute to the project and that’s fine.
Along with children’s clothing up to the age of 10, we take toys, books, footwear, baby baths, maternity and breastfeeding wear, non-electrical baby bottle sterilisers, cots, high-chairs, pushchairs, baby bouncers and other baby related items.
The events are proving to be a safe space where parents can meet to socialise over a cup of tea and provide necessary networking support; sharing information and ideas. Furthermore, volunteers who have become involved in the running of the events are increasing in confidence and learning new skills from organising and running events. They are engaging with project users, feeling as though they are making a real contribution to the local community. Some have gone on to search for further training opportunities to prepare them for stepping back into work. Including members of the committee who have developed experience of chairing, contributing to and minuting formal meetings. They have developed an understanding for sticking to agendas and taking responsibility for actions. We have also recruited for key officer positions in order to further develop skills and abilities.
The Project Owner takes legal responsibility for receiving and spending the funds raised and ensuring the project is delivered.
