We are so encouraged that there are increasing numbers of organisations all over the UK (and the world) supporting families with free or affordable childrens clothes, toys and equipment. Below are a few of them but if you know of any locally that we’ve missed, please get in touch.
Over the years the story of the shop has inspired others as they have thought about their communities and neighbourhoods. If you’re thinking about what your town needs and would like to hear about how B@titude started then please do get in touch and of course you are welcome to visit our shop anytime.
Dorking Beatitudes opened in March 2012 when the lovely Rosemary was inspired by Jenny’s story. The shop sells children’s clothes, toys and equipment. There is a coffee area for parents, grandparents and carers to relax and a small play area for the children. The shop is situated on St Martins Walk, RH4 1UT and is open on Mon-Fri 10-4:30pm & Saturdays 10-1pm. Call them on 01306 898387. Although our shops are very similar, we are set up as individual charities and support each other relationally.
Stripey Stork was established in August in 2013. They are a small charity started by a group of mums who wanted to see the items their babies and children no longer needed re-used in the local community. They take donations of new and pre loved toys, clothes & equipment for babies and children and rehome them with local families in need. They take referrals from local health & community professionals and all items are passed on free of charge.
The aim of Growbaby is to provide good quality, new and second-hand, baby clothes and equipment (up to 5 years), completely free of charge, to anyone who needs it, regardless of their income, background, or faith. At present Growbaby in Kingston is open on Wednesdays between 09.30 and 14.30 at the Hub. You don’t have to make an appointment you can simply drop in, no referral form needed, everyone is welcome regardless of income, faith or background.
Ruth & Jenny visited Daniel & Miriam who run Growbaby in Germany in 2011. They were able to spend the weekend with them, sharing stories from B@titude and it’s good to have connections like these.
Little Village collect great quality donations of clothes, toys and kit for babies and children up to the age of 5, and they gift these donations on to local families who are dealing with really challenging circumstances. Families are sent their way by a network of referral partners – health visitors, children’s centres and midwives primarily, but also faith organisations, other charities and public servants.
Baby Basics provides much needed essentials and equipment to mothers and families who are unable to provide these items for themselves; including but not limited to teenage mums, people seeking asylum and women fleeing domestic abuse and trafficking. Working with midwives, health visitors and other professional groups to provide support directly where it is most needed, Baby Basics volunteers lovingly collect, sort and package a ‘Moses Basket’ of clothing, toiletries and essential baby equipment as an attractive gift to new mothers.