Erdington Baby Bank, a volunteer-run service operating from Scallywags at The Fort Shopping Centre, has revealed that a BirminghamLive campaign played a pivotal role in shaping its mission to support families across Birmingham. Since opening its doors eight months ago, the bank has officially received over 200 referrals, highlighting the urgent need for such services in the city.
A campaign that sparked action
The baby bank's origins trace back years before its launch. Founders Alicia, 51, and her husband Scott, also 51, from Erdington, have long been committed to tackling Birmingham's poverty crisis. Alicia's journey began in 2017 with Birmingham's Poverty Truth Commission, where she focused on child poverty and its impact on education.
"The one thing that always got me was the poverty issues surrounding children, the children's poverty in the city and then also poverty in education," Alicia told BirminghamLive. "Things like being able to afford school uniforms, the cost of actually being at school, so the equipment, school trips, one thing and another."
From commission to action
After the Poverty Truth Commission concluded its active run in 2023, Alicia swiftly joined Economic Justice for Birmingham, where she participated in a project centred on city-wide issues, with child poverty as her primary focus. She was selected to lead a "huddle" on the topic, based on Jane Haynes' report detailing the severity of child poverty in Birmingham and its eight recommended actions.
"Rest assured, it's because of her that we are where we are now," Alicia said, crediting the report for galvanising her efforts. During her work, she encountered "shocking" figures regarding the number of referrals baby banks were receiving, prompting her to act. "I'm thinking that this can't go on. Something has to be done," she added.
Delivering essential support
In the seven months that Alicia, Scott, their trustees, and volunteers have been running the bank, they have officially processed over 200 referrals. The service provides essential items such as Moses baskets, baby clothes, bedding, and hygiene products. Alicia noted the bank can accept "literally anything apart from car seats, electrical items and talcum powder."
Referrals are made online through health visitors, midwives, social workers, or family support workers. For additional information, families can contact EBBConnectFort@outlook.com. Donations can be dropped off at Scallywags at The Fort, Monday to Thursday, 9.30am to 3pm.
Addressing a citywide emergency
The campaign, titled "Birmingham: A Child Poverty Emergency," was shared with Brummies in 2024 and has clearly resonated with local activists like Alicia. The baby bank's rapid growth underscores the scale of need in Birmingham, where child poverty remains a pressing issue. By providing practical support, Erdington Baby Bank is making a tangible difference in the lives of families across the city.
