Charity that helped 1,100 families in one year moves into new home

A charity that has helped more than 1,100 families in only its first year by donating items for babies and children has moved into its new home.

The Baby Bank, run by the Bedford charity, FACES, used to operate out of two cramped storage units.

It is now based at the Bedford Foodbank warehouse on the town's Manton Industrial Estate.

The charity said it was "fully committed to helping young people to have the best start in life".

The Baby Bank, launched on 1 January 2023, accepts good quality items donated from members of the public, including clothing, shoes, unbranded school uniform, toiletries, nappies, baby formula, toys, prams and cots.

The charity supports families with children who are under seven years.

Baby Bank chairperson Jennie Bayliss said the move was needed as its storage units had limited space and "volunteers often found themselves using their homes to fulfil orders and accommodate donations".

She said the relocation will streamline operations between the Baby Bank and Bedford Foodbank and be a "powerful collaboration in addressing the multifaceted needs of the community".

"We have been able to serve more than 1,100 families across Bedford Borough since we launched, and our relocation to the Food Bank will ensure we can continue to support more families and children in 2024 and beyond," she added.

"We may be a small charity, but we are fully committed to changing the lives of our community and helping young people to have the best start in life."

She said new volunteers were welcome to "help sort and distribute baby items to those in need" and could get in touch.

Follow East of England news on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a story? Email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp 0800 169 1830