A baby bank in Wisbech is going from strength to strength thanks to support from Clarion Futures.  

The Fenland Families and Baby Bank on Union Street has been open since November 2020, but has seen demand grow over the past few months. 

The baby bank is a non-profit community organisation set up to support families in the Fenland area who are experiencing financial hardship and need support with accessing essentials for their children aged 0-5 years. 

The bank is staffed by a friendly local team of volunteers who provide access to clothes, toys, baby milk, nappies, prams and bedding. 

Items are donated by members of the local community, and it enables parents to swap items. 

In addition to access to essential goods, the baby bank also acts as a source of advice and guidance for new parents, as well as signposting to other sources of support. 

Parents can be referred for support by professionals including social services, health visitors, midwives and teachers, as well as being able to self-refer, with people asked to make an affordable donation in return for goods provided. 

Mother of four, Rachel Green, who set up the Fenland Families Baby Bank, said: “It makes me sad that in this day and age something like this is needed, but here we are.  

“When household budgets are squeezed to breaking point, it can be hard to find the money for everything you need for a young family, so we’re here to fill that gap.” 

The charity has been receiving financial support from Clarion Futures, the charitable foundation of Clarion Housing Group which owns and maages thousands of homes across Fenland, since it launched, helping to get the new initiative off the ground. 

To provide some breathing space and support the baby bank’s ambitious plans for expansion, Clarion Futures has paid the rent at the organisation’s base for the coming year. 

Clarion Futures has also provided non-financial assistance including business development support and capacity building through its recovery and resilience programme set up to help its partners adapt and grow. 

Head of communities at Clarion Futures, Matt Parsonage, said: “With the cost of living continuing to bike, initiatives like this one are so important, helping people to cover the cost of everyday essentials and providing some breathing space. 

“Rachel and the team at the baby bank are a real inspiration, helping young families living locally access whatever they need for their children as well as signposting to additional sources of advice and guidance, and we’re proud to support them.” 

The Fenland Families and Baby Bank at 11 Union Street in Wisbech is open from 10am-4pm Tuesdays to Fridays all year round and every other Saturday from April 1 until the end of September. 

To find out more or make a donation, call 07985 727025 or email fenlandbabybank@gmail.com.