Where In Windsor meets Baby Bank Windsor

On Thursday last week Baby Bank Windsor released a post on Facebook announcing the serious situation they are in, 'Baby Bank Windsor facing closure'. 
I read it and felt sadness. 
For the last two and a half years Amy Tisi and Rebecca Mistry have provided help to so many families in need with their newborn starter packages and other items for pregnant women, older babies and children.
The newborn packages were inspired by Finland's baby boxes and are given to expectant mothers in beautifully presented bundles, offered as a gift, rather than a handout. 
The list of people who qualify for help from Baby Bank is long, people in so many different situations, but the list is by no means exhaustive. The basic premise is 'families in need', whatever that need may be.
I chatted with Rebecca recently to find out more about the situation they're in and where they plan to go from here...

Photography by Abi Moore

What was the driving factor behind setting up Baby Bank Windsor?

When Amy and I had our children our friends often gave us items that they no longer needed and we had done the same with clothes and toys.
It led us to think about how many people don't have this kind of support and how many people struggle with the huge cost of having children.
There's the large, high cost items, like pushchairs and cots, on top of the every day items like nappies, wipes and clothing. It soon adds up and if you're in a situation where money is an issue, this can lead to worry and stress that can overtake the joy of pregnancy and starting a family.

Between the two of you, how many hours do you need to dedicate each week to keep things going an how do you fit it around being working mums?

8-10 hours sorting out bundles, checking clothes, equipment, filling in grant applications, liaising with referral partners and messages via social media.
We do it when our children are in bed, at preschool and school, lunch breaks, out having coffee... The Treehouse Cafe was a great place for meetings!

Photography by Abi Moore

Did you imagine when you started out that Baby Bank would become such a vital support for so many families?

We recognised the need but didn't anticipate the scale!

What are the running costs each month and how are you currently funding it?

£200 rent a month, then any extra goes towards the cost of new mattresses for cots/moses baskets.
We did a crowd fundraiser last year, we also received a grant but this has run out so we're in dire need of bigger funds/free storage.

Photography by Abi Moore

Sometimes people put off volunteering as they worry they can't commit enough hours, what would you expect from volunteers if they came forward to help out?

We wouldn't expect people to commit to set hours, we know how challenging it is to fit it in around family life and work commitments. 
We have had a business come in and do a days sorting which has been tremendous help but equally, someone spending 20 minutes replying to emails has been just as helpful.

If you could see a year into the future, where would you like to see Baby Bank Windsor?

In an ideal world we would like there to be no need for baby banks.
In reality, we are hoping we have long term funding and a team of volunteers so we can carry on helping families in need.

Photography by Abi Moore

Lastly, when things are tough, what keeps you going?

However tough things are for us, the families that we help are going through a much harder time.
Getting messages back via our referral partners is always motivating.

If you are able to help Baby Bank Windsor in any way, no matter how small, please contact Rebecca or Amy through their website or via Facebook.
If you'd like to donate you can do so here.
If you know a business that might be able to help with funding or offer free storage then get in touch.
The Windsor community is pretty special and I know there is a way to help Baby Bank Windsor carry on the hard work and dedication they show to the families in need!