Future secure for Wisbech baby bank, says founder

The charity now has two units, side-by-side in the market town

A woman who started a baby bank four years ago to offer affordable items for parents in need has signed a 10-year-lease, assuring its future.

Rachel Green never thought the service would still be required when she set up Fenland Family and Baby Bank, in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, in 2020.

This week she moved the shop into the adjoining unit in Union Street.

She hoped to turn the former unit into a community hub, and said: "We're not going anywhere in a hurry."

The baby bank stocks everything from nappies to baby milk, and clothing to buggies and anyone can shop there - it is not means-tested.

"Everything is funded through donations and selling items in the shop - some months it's a bit tough, but we make it," Ms Green, 53, said.

Earlier this year, she expressed disbelief that the service was still much-needed, and in demand, with the number of people asking for help doubling since last year.

Mother-of-two - with another on the way - Coral Spicer, 30, recently moved to Wisbech and visited the baby bank after a friend recommended it.

Coral Spicer said it would be a real struggle without the help of the non-profit community group

She is currently in temporary accommodation and is being helped by the local council.

"The [baby bank] literally helps me get all the bits and pieces together on a low budget," she said.

On Universal Credit, she said it would have been "a struggle" without this kind of assistance.

Ms Spicer also praised the "emotional support" offered by the shop staff.

"They don't judge. They don't look at you like you're homeless or disadvantaged because you're coming here," she said.

"This is why they've made it such a success. I know they will always be here to help me."

Rachel Green said the baby bank was here to stay for as long as it was needed

Realising this need was not going to disappear, the charity's Ms Green said she was delighted to recently secure 10-year leases not just on the original shop, but the unit next door.

All the stock was moved into the new, slightly larger building and she has big plans for the former shop.

"We are going to turn that into a community hub," she said.

"That means there will be a safe, warm space for mums, dads, [relatives] and social workers to come in, have a chat and let the children play.

"We'll look to extend that out to community groups so we can have people come in and hire that space."

The shop now has two units, side-by-side

She said people involved in child nutrition and breast-feeding education had already expressed interest in running classes at the hub.

Asked when she hoped to achieve all of this, Ms Green replied: "Yesterday."

She has had support from the local community to help with the bank over the years, and believed they would get on board with her new plans.

"Come and see what we have, what we do," she said.

"Come and be part of this community project - it will be amazing."