Windsor mums set up Baby Bank to help struggling families

A helping hand for new families in need has been set up by a pair of Windsor mums.

Rebecca Mistry and Amy Tisi set up Baby Bank Windsor to help families struggling to buy much-needed items for their little ones.

The idea is it will run in a similar way to foodbanks, with users being referred by partner organisations for essential items they cannot afford to buy.

"I know it happens in other places around the country," said Amy, who is mum to 16-month-old Helena.

"I have been going along to Tree House Cafe [at Windsor Baptist Church] and I noticed they do the Windsor Food Share from there. It got me thinking if people are needing food in our area then there must be children in need."

The 32-year-old, who lives in central Windsor and works as a primary school teacher, said they have already started collecting items for the bank.

Rebecca, who is mum to Harry, five, and Isabella, one, said they are 'overwhelmed' with how it has taken off.

"It is basically just two mums that have set it up because we felt there was a need for it and we felt we could just do a little bit more than just taking it to the charity shop," she said.

"Where there is a need for it, there is an acute need."

The ladies are hoping by working with organisations such as The Dash Charity, churches and health workers, they will get donations to those who need them.

Elaine Temple, community fundraiser at Dash, said the idea is 'fantastic'.

She said the charity gets donations but sometimes needs other things, which the baby bank can help them find.

The scheme is in need of more storage space and plastic storage boxes to keep donations in.

Visit www.facebook.com/babybankwindsor to contact Rebecca and Amy if you can help.