Baby Bank Network Bristol has reached a significant milestone, delivering its 10,000th family bundle since its inception in 2015. This achievement highlights the organisation’s crucial role in supporting families experiencing poverty or crisis across Bristol.
Key accomplishments include:
- 10,000 families supported.
- Over 411,000 essential items distributed.
- Partnerships with 122 referral agencies.
- 444 individual referral partners.
- 160 families on average supported every month.
The total value of items distributed, if purchased new, is estimated to amount to nearly £3 million.
Founded by three local mothers working from their homes, Baby Bank Network Bristol has grown into a vital community service. The organisation focuses on supporting families with children up to five years old, providing essential items such as safe sleep kits, toiletry packs, and pre-loved clothing.
“Each bundle represents more than just material goods – it’s a message of hope and support for families facing extraordinary challenges,” said Becky Gilbert, CEO and Co-founder Baby Bank Network Bristol. “We’re providing dignity and assurance that Bristol cares about its most vulnerable residents.”
Baby Bank Network Bristol relies heavily on community support, accepting donations of pre-loved baby equipment, clothing and toys. Volunteers play a crucial role in sorting and packing these items into bespoke bundles for families. Referral partners then distribute these bundles to the families that need them the most.
As Baby Bank Network Bristol approaches its 10th year of operation, it remains committed to its mission of supporting families experiencing poverty or crisis across Bristol. The charity invites the community to recognise this milestone and contribute to its ongoing efforts to make a difference in the lives of families in Bristol.
For more information on how to support Baby Bank Network Bristol through donations, volunteering or fundraising, visit their website at www.babybanknetwork.com
About Baby Bank Network Bristol
One of over 300 baby banks across the UK, Baby Bank Network Bristol is now nine years old and provides valuable support to local families who are struggling to provide for their young children. During a time of emotional and financial stress, Baby Bank Network provides pre-loved baby essentials (from cots and pushchairs, to clothes and toys) to families experiencing poverty or crisis.
Supported by an amazing team of loyal volunteers and a network of referral partners, Baby Bank Network Bristol is a local charity driven by a desire to help alleviate the symptoms of child poverty, while reducing waste and encouraging families to re-gift items they no longer need.
Baby Bank Network Bristol collects and re-distributes pre-loved baby and toddler items to families experiencing poverty or crisis. Many of the families they support face additional challenges such as homelessness, domestic abuse, mental health issues, are seeking refuge/asylum; or are mums under 21. Referrals to the charity are increasing. In 2023-24 Baby Bank Network Bristol redistributed over 82,500 items to 1798 families, up 13% from 1586 families in 2022-23. It now costs the charity £56 on average to provide a family with everything they need to welcome home their newborn.
Further Information
Read their blog about supporting 10,000 families at www.babybanknetwork.com/supporting-10000-bristol-families-in-under-10-years
Read Baby Bank Network’s recently released 2023-24 Impact Report
For more information please visit www.babybanknetwork.com