11/29/2022

Brierley Hill Babybank, which supports local families with babies and toddlers and who are suffering hardship, is planning to expand its services after taking on bigger premises at The Pensnett Estate.

The charity, which opened at the Innovation Centre on the trading estate just over a year ago, says by doubling its space, it will be able to include toddler play sessions, holistic services and more one-to-one support service for parents.

Maz Page, founder and project manager, said it already supports hundreds of families every year, with a range of care packages that include prams, baby clothes, toiletries and other essential items to families, from 25 weeks' pregnancy up to when the child is two years old.

"This is an important step for us," she said. Moving to the larger unit will mean we can store more stock to help us meet demand, have more volunteers, have more social interaction with families and work with local groups and professionals to address some of the issues that families need help with.

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"We've seen a huge increase in working families that need our support because of the cost of living crisis, where they have seen their mortgages soar.

"Families have to be referred to us from professional healthcare workers, social care services, housing or the local council, which means we operate a strict policy on who we can help but the numbers are growing rapidly every month."

Other tenants on The Pensnett Estate, which is owned and managed by national commercial property and investment company LCP, have pledged to help Brierley Hill Babybank prepare for opening its new unit in January.

These include Steve Bromley Carpets; PaintWell, which is providing free paint; and Igloo, which is helping the charity to update the ceiling tiles and alterations.

Booker Wholesalers, which has already supported the charity by being a drop-off point for donations since it moved to the estate, will continue to help.

Paula James, of LCP, said: "We are thrilled that Brierley Hill Babybank has decided to stay within the Innovation Centre and expand its services there. The fact that other tenants are helping to support the charity as it prepares for opening next year shows what a strong community we have on The Pensnett Estate. We wish Maz and her hard-working team the very best for the next stage in its evolution."

Brierley Hill Babybank works within the Dudley borough and also provides support to those living in the B63, B64 and B65 areas. For more details, visit: brierleyhillbabybank.co.uk