The Baby Bank wins King's Award for Voluntary Service

The Baby Bank in Holyport – which helps families in need in Berkshire, Bucks and Hillingdon – has scooped a King’s Award for Voluntary Service 2024.

Equivalent to an MBE, the KAVS – formerly the Queen’s Award – was set up in 2002 and is the highest award given to local voluntary groups in the UK. It is awarded for life.

This year, 281 local charities and voluntary groups are receiving one.

The Baby Bank is one of those – celebrated for providing essentials to children and their families experiencing hardship.

This small charity collects good-quality second-hand clothes, equipment and furniture for families in need, helping with school uniforms, newborn starter kits and essential supplies.

Its volunteers sort donations, do deliveries, and fundraise, and do meet-and-greets with families.

Founded nearly 10 years ago in 2015, The Baby Bank is run by Rebecca Mistry and Lauren Hall.

Speaking about the award, Lauren said: “As a charity it’s a huge recognition – we were all absolutely delighted. It’s such an honour to just be nominated.”

Asked why she thought The Baby Bank was selected, she said:

“I think anything to do with supporting children and vulnerable people is always going to be an emotive topic.

“We are very close with our community and we’re very lucky to have overwhelming support from the community.”

Local need for The Baby Bank has increased year-on-year since COVID, she said – every time the team thinks the charity can’t get busier, the next year, it is.

Lately, The Baby Bank is also seeing fewer donations of larger items such as buggies and cots.

“That’s been quite a challenge for us,” Lauren said.

She thinks people’s finances are in such a pinch that they are selling these items instead of donating them to try and generate some extra cash.

The Baby Bank is now embarking on its annual Christmas Pyjama Appeal, where it is looking for donations of brand new pyjamas, a selection box and new books in a labelled gift bag for children unlikely to receive much for Christmas this year.

Previously operating out of Providence Place in Windsor, The Baby Bank moved to Tectonic Place in Holyport out of necessity a couple of years ago, so the site could be redeveloped.

Being there increased its volunteer pool, offered it parking and made it easier to collect items.

But Tectonic Place, too, may be turned into flats, if developers can finally get permission.

“We’ve not heard what that's going to mean for us yet,” said Lauren.

“We’d love to stay where we are but we will potentially be on the lookout for new space next year, ideally with a similar set-up.”

The Baby Bank is one of six Berkshire groups to win the coveted KAVS. Each group will receive their award crystal and certificate from the Lord Lieutenant at a presentation event in February.

In addition, two volunteers from each group will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in 2025.