Handsworth baby bank helping more parents in full-time work

A Birmingham baby bank says it is helping a growing number of people in full-time work who are struggling to afford essentials for their children.

Kavita Kaur Dhillon and her husband Karvinder run the Handsworth Baby and Family Bank on Soho Road, which provides free items including nappies, baby formula, clothes and toys.

The couple said the majority of people they first helped were from low-income households, but they were now seeing more working families needing support with everyday costs.

“We don’t need any more clothing, it’s the everyday essentials, formula, nappies, wipes, toiletries,” said Kavita.

Karvinder said demand had shifted in recent years.

“Before, we mainly needed nappies,” he said.

“As the daily cost of living has gone up, people need help with more day-to-day things.”

The couple said they were currently in desperate need of baby formula and often had only a handful of tubs left in stock.

“Just because you dress nice, or drive a nice car, doesn’t mean you don’t need help,” Kavita said.

“Nobody knows people’s circumstances. People can judge, but the reality is people are struggling.”