A baby bank in Birmingham has revealed how a BirminghamLive campaign played a significant role in shaping its crucial services supporting families in need across the city.
Erdington Baby Bank, based at Scallywags in The Fort, began assisting parents and guardians with essential baby items eight months ago, though the initiative’s roots extend back several years.
Baby banks are community-run organisations that collect donations of essential goods for babies and children, distributing them to families who require urgent support.
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Founded by Alicia and Scott, both 51 and local to Erdington, the bank was born from a long-standing commitment to tackling poverty in Birmingham. Alicia’s involvement with the city’s Poverty Truth Commission began in 2017, where she focused on addressing the impact of poverty on children.
Speaking to BirminghamLive, Alicia reflected, “The one thing that always struck me was the extent of poverty affecting children – especially in education. Affording school uniforms, equipment, and the costs of school trips all place a strain on families.”
After the Poverty Truth Commission concluded its work in 2023, Alicia joined Economic Justice for Birmingham, continuing her focus on child poverty. She was selected to lead a project centred on this issue, drawing attention to Jane Haynes’ report outlining the severity of child poverty in the city and urging urgent action.
“Thanks to Jane Haynes’ report, we now understand just how serious the situation is,” Alicia said. “It prompted us to ask ourselves: this can’t go on, something has to be done.”
Since opening, Erdington Baby Bank has received over 200 referrals in just seven months, demonstrating the pressing need for such services.
Support is accessed through referrals from health visitors, midwives, social workers, or family support workers via an online system. Families or professionals seeking assistance or further information can also contact [email protected].
Typical items distributed include Moses baskets, baby clothing, bedding, and hygiene products. The bank welcomes donations of almost any items except car seats, electrical goods, and talcum powder.
Donations can be dropped off at Scallywags in The Fort from Monday to Thursday, between 9:30am and 3pm.
Erdington Baby Bank’s work, inspired and informed by BirminghamLive’s campaign highlighting the city’s child poverty emergency, continues to provide essential help to families across Birmingham during challenging times.