News / babies
Bristol baby bank appoints first CEO as demand soars
A baby bank in Bristol has appointed its first ever CEO to help navigate it through a period of growth and an increase in demand for its services.
Becky Gilbert has been appointed CEO of Baby Bank Network Bristol, having co-founded the charity in 2015 with the aim of collecting and re-distributing pre-loved baby and toddler essentials to families in need.
Becky has been tasked with driving forward Baby Bank’s expansion plans to ensure that Bristol’s most vulnerable families are supported in their time of need.
The network currently supports around 40 families in Bristol every week, recently helping its 8,000th family.
It has also recently experienced a period of rapid growth, and now employs four part-time members of staff across operations and fundraising, supported by an army of volunteers.
This growth is mirrored by a recent surge in referrals, which Baby Bank believes is being driven by the cost-of-living crisis as more people are pushed into poverty.
As well as appointing a CEO, Baby Bank Network Bristol has recently opened its first retail outlet in Sparks Bristol – photo: Baby Bank Network Bristol
Becky commented: “Baby Bank Network Bristol does incredible work supporting families in need. Our aim is to help anyone who needs it, without any judgement, but sadly those numbers are growing – in Bristol, 21 per cent of children live in income deprived families. We help families from all walks of life as we take a wide definition of poverty to be inclusive.
“I have joined as CEO at a pivotal time for the charity as we continue a growth trajectory. We are currently exploring how we can have a stronger presence within the Bristol community, and last month we launched our first retail outlet at the Sparks development in Broadmead, which is providing much needed additional income.
“Baby Bank Network Bristol might be a small grassroots charity, but it has a strong team and makes a huge impact with the families it supports. We are in an excellent position to support the families of Bristol in the way that best helps them.”
Main photo: Baby Bank Network Bristol
Read next:
- Sustainability and creativity hub opens within former M&S
- Bristol-based consultancy named New Woman Franchisor of the Year
- Bristol startup named finalist in regional awards
Listen to the latest Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast:
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
