Baby bank needs volunteers to support Camberwell families
published on 16 Mar 2023
A baby bank run by Camberwell Salvation Army is providing essential support to the local community. With donations pouring in, the team are looking for volunteers to support this work.
Volunteers will be asked to organise and allocate donated items and talk to families about the resources they need. Spanish and Arabic volunteers would be welcome owing to the numbers of families in the area whose first language is not English.
The baby bank was a huge support to local families throughout the pandemic but demand has risen due to the present cost of living crisis. As well as being given buggies, cots and other essentials, families who come to the baby bank have the opportunity to choose the items they want for their baby from a wide range of clothes, toys and books.
Katy Weston, the Baby Bank Coordinator at Camberwell Salvation Army, said: “Our baby bank helps families choose the items they need that are best suited to their baby or toddler.
She continued: “It’s a place where parents can visit with dignity and a way for The Salvation Army to build relationships and support the community in a practical and loving way. Even during the pandemic lockdown, we delivered packages to expectant families when they weren’t able to come in person.”
Katy said: “Some of the referrals to the baby bank come from Parents and Communities Together and other organisations, but any parent who has a need for help can pop in. This takes away a barrier that people often face in getting the help that they need.”
In the face of rising living costs Camberwell Salvation Army is grateful to the local community, and to partnering charities and organisations, for their continued, generous donations.
“It’s so great to have received so many donations, now we just need more volunteers to help with organising donations and making sure the families who come to us get the resources they need.”
The baby bank is open at Camberwell Salvation Army from 10am to 12pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Katy Weston at katherine.weston@salvationarmy.org.uk.
