COMMUNITY spotlight

The Young Ealing Foundation Awards celebrate and recognises young people and the providers who help them across Ealing Young Ealing Foundation’s Entrepreneur Award was won by Chanelle McPherson-Bradshaw for her work with the Salvation Army Baby Bank. We spoke to her about this prestigious accolade

I joined the Salvation Army to work on the Baby Bank project in Ealing in 2021 I was welcomed into the Baby Bank Coordinator role with open arms during the heat of the pandemic where we were still operating safely to reach those families in desperate need Coming out of that it was time to restructure and we looked forward to opening face-to-face with families A year later I was in the position where I had to the opportunity to step up and manage the Baby Bank stopping it from closure and I jumped at the chance I feel that this project is such a huge part of our community on both ends of the spectrum, it gives people who are in need the opportunity for help as well as allowing others who want to donate or shift good quality items the place to do that, while also reducing waste

I am now working as the Ealing Salvation Army Community Centre Manager continuing the work with the Baby Bank as well as looking to the future of it becoming a family hub community Centre and what that might look like in our local area

I won the Young Ealing Foundation Entrepreneur of the Year award based on my work in the Baby Bank with the following being highlighted: “The panel felt that Chanelle was an absolute inspiration and highlighted the use of entrepreneurial spirit to make a positive impact on the local community They felt that Chanelle's dedication and commitment to helping others at such a young age is awe-inspiring”

It was such an honour to be recognised for something like this and I couldn’t be more grateful to my team who have supported me through many challenges every step of the way on this journey and continue to help the Baby Bank grow I wish for a future where services like this aren’t needed, however until then we are happy to fill this gap in our community

Ealing Salvation Army is a Family Hub where The Baby Bank, Little Lounge Toddler Group as well as our ties to other local organisations all come together to provide families with a space to find support The Baby Bank was set up in 2019 to support local families who are struggling with the financial responsibilities of providing for their children, whether it be due to having no recourse to public funds, asylum seeker status or even low income issues with the rising costs of essentials

By accepting a range of donations from the community of their good quality second-hand baby clothes and equipment we can give these families a helping hand We are partnered with our local foodbank which along with our own fundraising keeps stocked up on formula milk and other toiletry essentials like nappies etc which all can come at a hefty price when included in your weekly shop

In 2022 we did our first Baby Bank trip with several families to a soft play area which was to focus on getting highly isolated families out and engaging with their children as well as each other This was a huge success and the feedback from the families was great, we were able to give them the opportunity to do something with their children that they wouldn’t have been able to afford This is all with thanks to the amazing community who donate, fundraise, or even just share their knowledge of the Baby Bank as well as the dedication of our brilliant volunteers!

We don’t know exactly how many people The Salvation Army helps as our officers respond to need in the communities our churches are based in every day The Salvation Army supports families, including with items for babies, in various ways across the UK Baby banks are just one way of helping

At Ealing Baby Bank, we have held approximately 450 appointments with families since January This has been a mix of returning clients and new with an average of 8-10 new families being referred weekly This does not include the connections with local health visitors who collect items on behalf of families a few times a week

There are two main ways that people can help support Ealing baby bank; donating or volunteering Donations of baby toiletries, clothes, and equipment (excluding toys, electrical items, car seats and mattresses) for children aged 0 – 4 years are very welcome

Donations can be dropped off on a Tuesday from 9am – 4pm at the baby bank, which is located at 8 Leeland Rd, Ealing, W13 9HH Anybody who would be interested in volunteering at the baby bank or toddler group is also encouraged to get in touch by contacting 020 8840 0348 or emailing ealing@salvationarmy.org.uk