Growbaby Whitstable – support for parents in need

Bringing a new-born into this world is undoubtedly one of life’s greatest joys, and parents will always need help from those around them, but what about if you don’t have those support networks to begin with?

 

There are currently an estimated 2.8 million children living in poverty in the UK, and there’s a whole host of unexpected reasons as to why this can happen, it’s not always someone’s fault and people can just fall onto hard times and find it difficult, or impossible to work their way out of them.

 

Thankfully, there are places parents and guardians can go to when they are facing these difficult times, one such place is an initiative in Whitstable, just off the Thanet Way near B&Q, called Growbaby Whitstable.

 

We caught up with Mandy from Growbaby to find out a little bit more about the support they offer and how local residents who might need a helping hand can go to without judgement.

 

“Growbaby is an initiative run by Riverside Church in Whitstable,” explained Mandy, “it started a few years ago when the leaders saw a real need in the area to help families in the local community who were struggling to provide everything for their babies and little ones. They already had links with the Growbaby founders in Kingston and wanted to copy the model that had a growing reputation and lots of success.

“So, they started by asking people to donate items of clothing or equipment that they no longer needed. The response was amazing and Growbaby was born.

“It now opens every Monday from 10:30am until 2:30pm and provides good quality, new and second-hand, baby clothes and equipment (up to 5 years), completely free of charge, to anyone who needs a little extra help – regardless of their income, background or faith.

“If you or someone you know needs a little helping hand then why not pop in to Riverside. You don’t need a referral or an appointment – just drop in on a Monday and one of the team of lovely volunteers will be there to help. Please drop off clean and in good condition items to their Reception area Monday to Friday during office hours.”

 

If you are in desperate need and you feel a Monday is too far away, then please do call the office on 01227 250240.

 

For more updates and info please like their Facebook page Growbaby Whitstable or see their website.

by Callum Knowles

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