An event on Monday, 13 June, marked the official opening of a new family centre in Hackney, East London by housing association, The Guinness Partnership, in partnership with Sal’s Shoes, Boiler House Spaces, Little Village and Fusion21.
Provided by The Guinness Partnership, the under-used building on Harrington Hill in Lower Clapton has been turned into the Hackney Family Centre and has been refurbished to create a welcoming, vibrant space including a baby bank to help local families with babies and young children.
The baby bank operates like a food bank but provides essentials for babies and young children, including clothes, shoes, cots, bedding, nappies, toiletries, buggies, and toys to families needing extra support.
It will help local families with children aged up to five. The Family Centre will also host family group meetings, cooking sessions and a creche.
The baby bank is run by three local charities: Little Village which runs a network of baby banks across London; Boiler House Spaces which manages community spaces in Hackney; and Sal’s Shoes, which provides good quality second-hand shoes and other essentials to those who need them.
Catriona Simons, The Guinness Partnership’s chief executive said: “Thank you to our partners who have helped create something really special at the new Family Centre in Hackney.
“This is a wonderful space which will help families access the essentials whilst promoting self-esteem and community. In these difficult times, when so many people are so acutely affected by the cost of living crisis, this is more important than ever.
“It’s an honour to be working with Sal’s Shoes, Boiler House Spaces, Little Village and Fusion21 and I’m pleased Guinness has been able to play our small part.”
Jo Hannan, Fusion21 foundation manager said: ”We’re delighted to be a co-funder of this important initiative, at a critical time in the cost of living crisis.
“Our Foundation’s focus is on improving the lives of those who need it most, supporting the health and financial wellbeing of local communities.
“This project has been created by a fantastic partnership of organisations, dedicated to making a positive impact – providing much-needed essentials and support for families in Hackney.”
Sophie Livingstone MBE, CEO of Little Village said: “It’s incredibly sad that there is such need for a new baby bank in Hackney, that there are so many families who are unable to provide the basics for their babies and young children.
“But whilst there is a need, we will do all we can to help.
“We are looking for lots of support so if you would like to donate your pre-loved children’s items, or volunteer to help out, please get in touch.”
Anna Iskander-Reynolds, CEO of Boiler House said: “The pandemic highlighted existing poverty, and now as the cost of living increases, we are seeing greater support needs.
“It’s hard enough being a parent or carer without the financial burdens and impossible choices you have to make in order to survive the week.
“We want to support families through such times and ease their burden.
“The new Family Centre will not only provide access to a wide range of essential childcare items, it will also offer a nurturing space for families to gain further support, build relationships, and feel more able to move through current challenges.”
CJ Bowry, founder of Sal’s Shoes said: “In the current cost of living crisis, too many people can barely afford to feed their families and heat their homes, let alone clothe their ever growing young.
“There is nothing more stifling to a person’s identity that having to wear clothes that are not them.
“Children are experts in their own lives and even they have a strong sense of what style of clothing suits their personality and personal preference.
“To a family in need of crisis or ongoing support, extreme poverty can feel undignified.
“Our hope is that the Sal’s Shoes ‘Shop’ will help maintain a sense of dignity for those facing poverty by empowering families in need to exercise choice, and enjoy the experience of a shopping trip without having to pay for their purchases.”
Alistair Smyth, The Guinness Partnership’s director of external affairs and social investment said: “I would like to thank everyone who came along to support this much needed family centre, which will help support local families who are struggling financially at the moment.
“They’re faced with really difficult choices about what to spend and how, or if, they can make money go further. And we’re talking about essentials here – housing, food, energy, clothes – the basics all families need.
“The cost of living crisis means the baby bank, Sal’s Shoes and all other services provided by The Boiler House at The Family Centre are likely to be needed more than ever, and by even more families over coming weeks and months.
“It’s vital the baby bank receives support from the community and we’d encourage people to get involved however they can – whether that’s by donating, volunteering, or helping spread the word about the centre, so it can reach the people who will need it the most.”
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