Two mums have set up a baby bank in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic to help parents in need and provide a service which they felt was missing to the local area.
Hayleigh Jarvis, 30 and Lauren Denham, 31 launched Baby Necessities Southampton in December 2020 helped by Hayleigh’s sister Chloe.
The project, based in North Baddesley, is pending charity status but has already helped dozens of families access items no-one should go without.
Lauren, who has two daughters aged two and five, said: “We realised there wasn’t anything in the immediate area providing this kind of service.
“We’ve got families that were expecting and were made redundant, lots of people’s circumstances have changed during the pandemic so there is definitely a need for this type of service.”
Baby Necessities relies on donations from members of the public who can purchase items such as newborn starter kits from their Amazon Wishlist or pass on any pre-loved items.
Donations can be dropped off every Tuesday from 1pm to 3pm at The Community Life Centre in North Baddesley. Social distancing is adhered to.
“We’ve been quite overwhelmed with the response we got, it’s amazing to see people who are so generous,” added Lauren.
Those who benefit from donations are linked to charities or other professional agencies which send a referral to the baby bank.
Referrals can be made via www.babynecessities.co.uk and info@babynecessities.co.uk.
Babies Necessities is currently looking for permanent premises. Anyone who can help is asked to get in touch.
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