Celebrating 10 years of Baby Bank Network’s Incredible Volunteers!!

Team Baby Bank Network at our Volunteer Thank You Event, June 2025

Baby Bank Network Bristol was founded in 2015 around the kitchen tables of three local mums – Becky Gilbert, Eva Fernandes and Melissa Burgers.  Donations were collected and sorted in garages and spare rooms by a small group of enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers, often with their babies strapped to their chests!  

After 6 months in December 2015 nearly 100 referrals on behalf of families had been processed, with the help of over 35 volunteers.  By February 2016 Baby Bank Network was a registered charity, and by June 2016 had supported almost 250 families across Bristol.  Later that year, Baby Bank Network secured a grant enabling us to move to Fishponds where our warehouse and office are still based, and where our hardworking volunteers come week after week, to sort and clean donations, and lovingly pack bundles of essential baby items to be delivered to families across the city.

The unwavering kindness of our volunteers

Since those early days, the charity has come a long way, and has now supported over 11,000 families across Bristol.  Yet something core remains unchanged – the unwavering dedication and kindness of our volunteers.  Some have been involved since the beginning, taking on different roles as their work and family commitments evolve.  Others have joined the Baby Bank Network family more recently, giving their time to support others in their community when they need it the most.  Some have even transitioned from volunteer to paid staff, and vice-versa.  Truth be told, the charity simply wouldn’t exist without all the volunteers who have given their time so generously.  

This #VolunteersWeek, which aptly takes place during the month that Baby Bank Network turns 10 years old, we would like to say an enormous and heartfelt thank you to all our volunteers, past and present, for all that you have, and continue to do – you are heroes in this story!

Baby Bank Network Volunteers in our toy room

What inspires our incredible volunteers?

From personal experiences to a simple desire to help, their motivations reflect the kindness, empathy, and community spirit that make Baby Bank Network so special. Many inspired by their own parenting journeys, and recognising how challenging those early days can be – and how much harder it is without support. One volunteer, reflecting on the generosity she received after having twins, said:

“Their kindness made me realise how fortunate I was… It struck me that not everyone has the same resources. I wanted to ensure other families could receive the essential items and support I was lucky enough to have.”

What shines through is a powerful sense of solidarity – an empathy for families experiencing poverty or crisis, and a belief that no family should struggle alone. Whether driven by personal experience, a love of community, or a spontaneous act of goodwill, our volunteers all share one thing: a passion for making parenthood a little easier for families.

Baby Bank Network Volunteers outside our warehouse

What is the personal impact of volunteering?

From personal growth to career changes – our volunteers’ stories show just how powerful giving back can be. Many volunteers shared how volunteering gave them a deeper understanding of the challenges local families experience, while deepening their own connections to the broader community.

“I’ve become a better, more altruistic person on the whole.”

.“My eyes have been truly opened to the wide need for support across the parenting community… My children have been brought up to see the need and readily offer their pre-loved things as a first option to charities. I love this in particular!”

“Witnessing the strength of those facing difficult circumstances has inspired me to approach challenges with a more positive mindset.”

“Volunteering has opened my eyes to the resilience and strength of our community, and it has shown me the profound impact that kindness and generosity can have.”

For some, volunteering became a lifeline, a source of friendship, joy and stability during uncertain times: “I started volunteering with BBN during a transient time in my life – it gave me a sense of purpose and belonging while I got things back on track.”

For others it opened doors to paid employment or a change in career:

“A fantastic insight into the charity sector and fundraising. It’s led to a new career for me, which I love.”

“As I got involved in a wide range of tasks, it gave me the knowledge to become Baby Bank Network’s Service Manager!”

For many, volunteering became a lifeline during tough times:

“It kept me going during Covid lockdowns. I felt so isolated, but washing and sorting donated clothes gave me a sense of purpose. My older daughter loved helping, though my toddler was a liability with the piles!”

“Fridays at the warehouse were the highlight of my week—catching up with fellow volunteers while knowing we were making a difference was so rewarding.”

Baby Bank Network Volunteers at May Fest on Gloucester Road

What’s the impact of Baby Bank Network on the community?

From practical support to fostering human connection, here's what our volunteers think makes Baby Bank Network so vital:

For many families, Baby Bank Network fills the gap when other support systems aren't available: “It fosters a sense of community and solidarity, creating a network that encourages collaboration and understanding.”

Our environmental impact matters just as much as our social mission: “Each week we re-use a huge pile of perfectly good baby items which may have ended up at the tip. It feels good knowing these items will find a good home.”

The ripple effects go far beyond the physical items: “The charity raises awareness about challenges like poverty and inequality, encouraging conversations that lead to positive change.” / “Its impact goes beyond items – it nurtures a compassionate community that stands together.”

Would you recommend volunteering with Baby Bank Network?

We are delighted to say the answer was a resounding yes, and here’s why:

“I always say I get way more out of volunteering than I put in. It is a family in itself, doing what it can to support others in what is already a challenging period of their lives.”

“I would absolutely recommend volunteering with Baby Bank Network, there are so many ways to get involved and make an impact on the families they support.”

“You'll develop new skills, gain confidence, and build meaningful connections with fellow volunteers and community members.”

Baby Bank Network Volunteer, Suzy, in our first storage unit

What does Baby Bank Network’s 10th anniversary mean to our volunteers?

Many volunteers reflected on the organisation's evolution and staying power, and the scale of support provided over ten years.  Others acknowledged the complex reality behind this anniversary, and their personal connection to the journey:

“I am so proud to be a small part of Team Baby Bank Network over the years. I am in awe of the amazing work, from the tiny storage cave to warehouse and deliveries. What a journey it's been.”

“It brings a certain level of sadness that the service is not only needed, but that the need is seemingly growing. But saying this, whilst it is needed, Baby Bank Network will be there and it gives me great pride to be a small part of the solution.”

“It's amazing to think of how many families we have supported in that time!”

“Baby Bank Network Bristol's 10th anniversary is a significant milestone that represents a decade of compassion, community support, and positive impact.”

What do our volunteers hope for the future of Baby Bank Network Bristol?

Underlying all responses was a hope for sustained compassion:

“My hope is that Baby Bank Network Bristol continues to be a beacon of hope and support for families, creating a compassionate community where everyone has access to the resources they need to thrive.”

These visions – from pragmatic to aspirational – all centred on one idea: that Baby Bank Network should keep meeting families where they are, however that looks, in the years ahead. 

A heartfelt thank you

To all our volunteers—thank you for the laughter, the hard work, and the heart you bring to Baby Bank Network. Whether you’re diving into clothes piles, sorting bundles, talking to the public at an event, helping to write a grant application, or simply showing up with kindness, you’re changing lives every day.

To everyone who has shared their time, energy or resources with Baby Bank Network Bristol: thank you for being part of this story. And to those considering joining – as these reflections show, what you'll gain may surprise you just as much as the difference you'll make – from keeping babies warm to keeping goods out of landfills, from easing financial pressure to building human connections – this is what your support makes possible. Every donated item, every volunteer hour, and every shared story helps build our shared community. Thank you for being part of it.

With a special thanks to Baby Bank Network volunteer, Varia Perepelova for gathering so many insightful comments from our volunteers, and co-writing this blog.