A Bristol-wide charity network that acts as a foodbank but for babies and new families has launched a Christmas appeal – and is calling on schools, businesses, staff rooms and community groups to organise something new for Bristol – a toiletry drive.
The Bristol Baby Bank Network, which has been running for almost ten years and recently supported its 10,000th baby in the city, needs help to ensure that those in need have access to basic hygiene products and, just as supermarkets will collect items for a local food bank, the Baby Bank Network is asking for workplaces, schools and community groups to have events at which everyone involved is encouraged to bring in essential toiletries for mothers and babies.
The Santa’s Sack Christmas Appeal runs from Tuesday, December 3 to the following Tuesday, December 10, and as well as the toiletry drive, the Network is raising funds, and every pound donated is being match-funded.
“From December 3 to 10, donations made to Baby Bank Network through the Big Give Christmas Challenge will be match-funded, effectively doubling the impact of your generosity. For instance, a £10 contribution will transform into £20, amplifying the support for families across Bristol during this critical time,” a spokesperson for the charity said.
“The charity aims to raise at least £6,000 from public donations during the Big Give Challenge, which will unlock an additional £6,000 in match-funding, bringing the total target to £12,000. These funds are crucial for sustaining Baby Bank Network’s services throughout the winter and into 2025, providing essential items for babies and young children,” she added. “The need is urgent – this winter poses significant challenges for many families in Bristol. Currently, one in five children live in low-income households, which can severely affect their health and development. The families supported by Baby Bank Network often face additional crises such as; homelessness, domestic abuse, living with mental health issues, seeking refuge or asylum, or are mums under 21,” she added.
“Beyond redistributing preloved items like clothes and cots, Baby Bank Network distributes over 1,200 toiletry packs annually for mothers and babies. Each pack costs approximately £20 and includes essential items such as baby wipes, nappy cream, soap, shampoo, toothbrushes and more,” a spokesperson said.
“In addition to financial contributions, Baby Bank Network is calling on schools, businesses and community groups to organise toiletry drives. These drives will collect essential toiletries for mothers and babies, ensuring that those in need have access to basic hygiene products,” she added.
Baby Bank Network was started by three new mums around a kitchen table almost ten years ago, who were shocked at how much basic items required for babies cost, like car seats, cots, pushchairs and nappies – when a lot of equipment was used for only a short time.
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They created a ‘bank’ where people would donate items and other new mums in need could receive them. Over time the idea has grown into a huge Bristol charity, which has moved a few times to bigger and bigger premises, and is now helping dozens of women and new babies every week. Earlier this year, they passed the milestone of helping the 10,000th new family, and demand is only increasing, with more than 400 different organisations – health workers, community groups, local authorities and more – acting as referrers who send new mums in need to the Baby Bank Network for support.
Co-founder Becky Gilbert is the Baby Bank Network’s current chief exec. “With the support of our local community we have helped over 10,000 families in Bristol over the last nine years,” she said. “We know how generous the people of Bristol can be, especially at this time of year, and we are reaching out again to ask for their support. If you are able to make a financial donation or organise a toiletries drive please do!” she added.
“With your support this Christmas, we can: provide essentials for children up to five years; help keep children safe and well; ease the burden on families already struggling; and relieve some of the anxiety that comes with having a newborn,” she added.
How to support Baby Bank Network’s Santa’s Sack Appeal:
● Donate to their Big Give Christmas Challenge between midday 3rd – midday 10th November, and have your donation doubled!
● Organise a toiletries collection in your place of work or worship, school or other community group.
For more information on how to support Baby Bank Network Bristol this Christmas and beyond visit their website here