Referrals to a West Midlands baby bank have quadrupled in less than a decade, exposing the stark reality of the region's poverty crisis. New Beginnings baby bank in Smethwick received 89 referrals in 2016, rising to 189 in 2020 and 406 last year, according to Hannah O'Neill, the bank's income generator and domestic abuse advocate. In total, the facility has supported 2,450 families over the past 10 years.
From drawers and cardboard boxes to safe sleep
Hannah O'Neill told BirminghamLive that the bank has seen extreme cases of deprivation, including babies sleeping in drawers or cardboard boxes. She said: "We've had referrals where babies were in drawers or a cardboard box." The bank, which started in May 2016, was founded after a family arrived with nothing to take their newborn home from hospital. "We realised there was no safe sleep element either - so baby was going to be discharged without somewhere to sleep," she recalled.
The bank provides essential items such as Moses baskets, nappies, blankets, and clothes, all donated and given free to families in need. Demand has been immediate and relentless, with referrals "dripping through" after the first family was helped.
Who seeks help and why
Families turn to New Beginnings for a variety of reasons. Hannah explained that the bank has supported working parents struggling to make ends meet, as well as survivors of domestic abuse and trafficking. "How can we expect a mum, especially if they are a victim of domestic abuse, a rape victim, trafficked women to buy [these items]? Where are the funds going to come from and how are they circulating," she said.
She highlighted the disparity in the economic system: "There is such a disparity in the economic system, where we've got people that live in such wealth and then we've got people that can't afford to buy nappies or put a baby grow on their little one. I think that's a real sad indictment of the way we live."
A 4.5-fold increase in demand
The figures reveal a 4.5 times increase in demand for baby bundles since the facility was established. Hannah expressed her sadness about the crises affecting so many people: "I think the overriding feeling is sadness that, one, we need to exist." The cost-of-living crisis has been a major driver, with more families than ever unable to afford basic baby essentials.
Despite the grim statistics, Hannah emphasised that the bank's message is one of hope and solidarity. "We are here to help and there is help out there," she said. "The headline for the bundles is 'you're not alone,' and I think we'd really like to have that message sent across."
How to get support or donate
Families in need are encouraged to contact their midwife or health visitor, who can refer them to the appropriate support. Hannah stressed that motherhood can be isolating, but help is available: "Whether it be the normal maternal stresses or postnatal depression or other circumstance, we want to stress that there is help available and you aren't alone."
Donations can be dropped off at St Mark's Church on Thimblemill Road in Smethwick from 9am to 1pm, Monday to Thursday. The most requested items include Moses baskets, baby shampoo, baby lotion, baby baths, liquid baby soap, baby sponges, shampoo for mum, shower gel for mum, toothbrush and toothpaste for mum, deodorant, breast pads, maternity pads, baby towels, muslin cloths, small baby blankets, Moses basket sheets, newborn to 6 months baby clothes, small baby toys, baby wipes, cotton wool, nappy bags, and newborn nappies (sizes 1 and 2).
Donors are urged to avoid giving car seats or prams, as the bank cannot verify their travel safety. Volunteers are also welcome, and more information is available on the bank's website.
