Meet the ladies helping Dunstable families in need with free baby clothes and essentials
Two ladies in Dunstable are making sure no baby goes without – thanks to their project offering families in need essentials for their tots and a place to connect.
The Hope Church volunteer-run project Growbaby Dunstable gives out free baby clothes, equipment and essentials for children from birth up to five years old.
Organiser Laura Sproson, 45, says the demand for help has risen sharply.
She explained: “Over the last year we have had 205 enquiries… and 100 of those enquiries have come over the last two or three months, so there’s definitely an increase.”
Alongside Dawn Elsify, Laura collects and distributes the items, with the scheme relying entirely on donations.
Whether it’s nappies, a Moses basket, changing mat or little booties, Growbaby Dunstable offers help to families with no referral needed.
People contact the group directly, while midwives, health visitors and social workers also signpost people to the service.
Laura said: “It’s a real privilege to be able to help people.”
She stressed that support isn’t just needed by certain families on benefits. Working parents who have unexpected expenses, like emergency car repairs, have also reached out after being unable to afford clothes for their growing children.
Laura explained: “It’s not just the people that you would assume need help… It's also people that are working, and it’s just tough to get by, really.”
Aside from providing essential items, Growbaby also offers a welcoming space for new parents to meet and talk at Cafe 2:42, in Lovers Walk, every Friday from 10am to 2pm during term time.
Laura said: “One mum was really anxious to even come in. But she’s now someone that comes in regularly and chats with us… and realises that ‘actually I’m not in it on my own, and there are people out there that care about me’.
“Sometimes helping with some of the practical needs and then having someone to listen can just help change a day.”
The team are always looking for new volunteers and any donations – with people encouraged to drop off donations inside ASDA Dunstable.
Laura called on anyone who can assist in sorting donations, helping at the coffee mornings or is willing to take calls to reach out.
She added: “Not everybody is part of a community or a family that has that support… we wanted to be part of something that can help people move forward.
“People are so grateful for any support they can get.”
You can contact Growbaby on 07930 883553 or email [email protected]