Baby Clothes Bank
St Hilda of Whitby, Grangetown
Chris is a Churchwarden at St Hilda of Whitby, Grangetown, and completed the Stepping Up in December 2021 and was commissioned as a Community Minister at St Hilda’s in May 2022.
During Stepping Up, through prayer, conversation and speaking to those in his home community, Chris felt led to pursue the concept of a Baby Clothes Exchange Bank.
With the help of Karen, his wife, a grant from Mustard Seed and a supportive church community, Chris has purchased storage, start up clothes packs, a new hot water boiler and more to turn the church hall every Friday morning into a welcoming space for parents and carers. The space is not just for those who need to exchange or receive clothes, but one of welcome and community, a space for children to play, coffee and tea to be drunk and friendships to be found.
The Baby Bank has already received a large amount of support from local residents and further afield. Books, clothes, toys and home made knitted new born clothes have filled up Chris’ home and now the storage areas in the church.
Parish Priest, Fr Edward is keen to open the doors of the church further with places of welcome such as the Baby Bank, as he sees the area of parent and family support in Grangetown, a place where life is tough and the effects of Covid and the cost of living crisis are only making things harder for the community.
As Community Minister, Chris’ hope is that the Baby Bank will expand and grow to become a hub for the local community and also a place to launch a family worship service during the week. In an area where deprivation is high, Chris and the community of Grangetown are a shining example of how everyone can help one another in a way that is sustainable and places the church at the heart of the community.
To find out more about the Baby Clothes Bank and St Hilda’s or to donate clothes, prams or other items, click here.
To watch a short film about Chris and the Baby Clothes Bank, click here