Welcome to Baby Basics UK
Baby Basics UK is one of the largest networks of baby banks in the country. Through our network of centres across the UK we support families with all the practical essentials they need for life with children from pre birth – 5 yrs.
Although the increase we see in demand shows the sad situations faced by families in the UK, we are honoured that we can be there to support them and will continue to grow our network into localities of need across the UK.
Every baby basics centre is run by, for and with the local community
Taking referrals from trusted health & social care professionals.
Any young family, at any time, could find themselves in need of the service of a baby bank.
Families that we support include but are not limited to families in poverty, families seeking asylum, families arriving to the UK as refugees, families fleeing domestic abuse, families fleeing trafficking & families who are homeless or in temporary accommodation.
“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of it’s members”
Coretta Scott King
Having a safe space for a newborn to sleep, such as a moses basket is the most basic provision that every parent wants for their child and this was the premise for the creation of Baby Basics.
Since our inaugural centre opened in Sheffield in 2009 we have seen the service we deliver across our network grow to provide so much more than just a moses basket starter pack for a newborn.
Provision of clothes enables a child to stay warm and dry as they grow, provision of toys & books to support development, provision of a pram/pushchair/sling to help a family access their community safely, provision of a cot/cot bed/toddler bed to support good and safe sleep as children grow, provision of nappies & toiletries to enable good hygiene for all the family, provision of feeding equipment and formula so no child goes hungry.
1
in 120
babies
born in the UK received a moses basket from a Baby Basics Centre.
All of this provision helps to reduce the stress and anxiety faced by parents who are unable to provide these items themselves, or having to make impossible decisions between food, heating, a winter coat for their child, or nappies for their baby. Therefore supporting the bonding between families and their emotional wellbeing.
Every item we provide is of the highest quality possible, helping to restore value and dignity to families where poverty and circumstance have eroded it.
We work hard to support our network to ensure that they are fully equipped to deliver the service in their local community in partnership with their teams of amazing volunteers.
90% of the items we gift to families are high quality second hand donated by the local community. In 2023 Baby Basics Centres across the UK repurposed over 500,000 items of clothing and 20,000 other items which could have ended up in landfill.
This repurposing not only makes a difference to our planet but encourages a circle economy bringing all sides of the community together.
About us
Our vision...
We are driven by the belief that no family should have to choose between essentials like food or warm clothing. We are motivated by faith and a commitment to justice to address the daily struggles of families and advocate for a future where services such as ours aren’t necessary.
With first hand understanding of the challenges faced by so many families, we seek to make a real difference every day, holding society accountable and centering compassion and family wellbeing into everything we do
Our Values
We are compassionate
We are bold
We have integrity
We are agile
We are Planet Positive
Meet the team
We are proud of our very first patron Rev Kate Bottley, who is a church minister in North Nottinghamshire.
She is noted for her roles as a journalist, media presenter and reality television star. She hosts Radio 2 Good Morning Sunday and is a regular presenter on BBC1 Songs Of Praise.
Trustees
Sue Hook (Chair)
Sue.hook@baby-basics.org.uk
Brian Wilson (Treasurer)
brian.wilson@baby-basics.org.uk
Penny Borkett (Volunteer Rep)
penny.borkett@baby-basics.org.uk
Heledd Iago (Centre Rep)
Heledd.iago@baby-basics.org.uk
Kerry Montgomery
kerry.montgomery@baby-basics.org.uk
Our staff
Bryony Cribb
Project Co Ordinator Safe Space to Sleep Project & Corporate Volunteering
Read moreRead lessI bring a background in advocacy and experience working with people seeking asylum, where I first witnessed the joy Baby Basics brings to families in need. I am passionate about supporting vulnerable and marginalised communities, so I find great purpose in knowing that our work not only brings immediate joy to families but also plays a pivotal role in a child’s healthy development. What I love most about my role is the opportunity to collaborate with statutory organisations and corporate partners to help build a brighter future for those we serve.
Fun Fact – In my spare time, you’ll find me experimenting in the pottery studio or braving a cold swim in the Peak District.
Bryony.cribb@baby-basics.org.uk
Jenny Pegg
National Centre Manager
Read moreRead lessI’ve been married for over 30 years and have two grown up children. I’m the National Centre Manager at Baby Basics and I’ve been a part of the team for many years. I work with all our wonderful Regional Hub leaders as they provide support for our amazing centres around the UK. I love to encourage people to live to their full potential and so this role suits me down to the ground. Being part of a charity which is able to bring light into people’s darkness by providing practical help is such an honour and I feel very privileged to be a part of it. It’s great to be working with such fabulous people and such a close knit team.
Fun Fact: I used to be a singing artist and my music is still played on UCB.
Jenny.pegg@baby-basics.org.uk
Cat Ross
CEO
Read moreRead lessI am passionate about social justice and seeing children & families thrive. I have always worked in the charity sector both here in the UK and abroad. Of all the roles I have held over the years, Baby Basics has touched my heart in a greater way than most. Since joining in 2019, I have loved to see and lead the development of our network of centres, the greater voice we have in the sector and the significant relationships we have built with funders and decision makers.
Fun Fact: I used to lived in Rwanda, East Africa and this country and the people stole my heart.
Cat.ross@baby-basics.org.uk
Louise Ellis
National Operations Development Manager
Read moreRead lessHaving run Baby Basics Sheffield for 8 years being able to bring that knowledge as well as my personal lived experience to this senior role is so rare in this day and age. I love to see Baby Basics UK & the network grow and develop as we continue to support each other across the Baby Basics Community.
I am married with 3 children and love to get outdoors and have adventures.
Fun Fact: I’m such a foodie, I catered my own wedding for 200 people (crazy I know!)
Elaine McKenna
Project Co Ordinator National Distribution & Corporate Donors
Read moreRead lessI have over 14 years’ experience of working in the voluntary sector and love being able to support families. I oversees the National Distribution in our warehouse, sending out brand new items to our centres across the UK. I have two children and enjoy baking, walking and reading (when I gets two minutes peace!) I love working with the volunteers and seeing them grow in confidence and become part of our lovely Baby Basics Community.
Elaine.mckenna@baby-basics.org.uk
Samantha Pegg
Publicity & Social Media Co Ordinator
Read moreRead lessI love that my role allows me to use my creativity to help support the wonderful work that Baby Basics provides.
Fun fact: I’m also an artist and I enjoy bringing that creative perspective into my work here.
Samantha.pegg@baby-basics.org.uk
