Baby bank helping more parents in full-time work
The couple who run the bank say they are in "desperate need" of baby formula as demand is so high.
Baby bank helping more parents in full-time work
Kavita and Karvinder Dhillon say more people in full-time work are using their baby bank
A Birmingham baby bank says it is helping an increasing number of people in full-time work who are finding it hard to pay for essentials for their children.
Kavita Kaur Dhillon and her husband Karvinder run the Handsworth Baby and Family Bank on Soho Road, which gives out free items such as nappies, baby formula, clothes and toys.
The couple said that most of the people they first supported came from low-income households, but they are now seeing more working families needing help with everyday expenses.
"We don't need any more clothing, it's the everyday essentials, formula, nappies, wipes, toiletries," said Kavita.
Karvinder said the type of demand has changed in recent years.
"Before, we mainly needed nappies," he said.
"As the daily cost of living has gone up, people need help with more day-to-day things."
The couple said they are currently in desperate need of baby formula and often have only a handful of tubs left in stock.
"Just because you dress nice, or drive a nice car, doesn't mean you don't need help," Kavita said.
"Nobody knows people's circumstances. People can judge, but the reality is people are struggling."
The bank provides free essentials including nappies, clothing, toys and baby formula
The bank, which operates from inside the couple's Dhillons Boutique store, has been helping families since 2024.
Kavita said sharing a space with the shop helps reduce the stigma that can come with asking for support.
"You go out of our shop and people think you have purchased something, but in fact you've just used our baby bank," she said.
She described it as a "warm and welcoming space" and said demand has kept growing since it opened.
For the couple, helping families is still the most rewarding part of the project.
"For me it is fulfilling, knowing I've been able to support or help someone else be okay and smile," Kavita said.
She encouraged anyone who is struggling not to suffer in silence.
"It's nothing to be ashamed of or to be scared of. There's no shame in asking for help."