How Natural Baby Shower is making a difference

Since announcing our partnership with Stripey Stork charity we have continued to work closely with them and aim to support them in as many different ways as we can. From our 12 days of giving before Christmas where we donated 1 item for every order that was placed on a selected day to supporting their #Mum2Mum campaign to make sure every mum feels loved on Mother's Day. We have also made a commitment to support them with donations and are soon to be volunteering our time at their warehouse.

We are so proud to be supporting Stripey Stork and helping them to continue the amazing work they are doing so they can help as many families as possible. They recently contacted us to tell us a real life story of how one of our donations helped changed 1 mum's life. The story warmed our hearts and we couldn't wait to share it with you. Keep reading to discover how one of our Mountain Buggy donations has helped to make a huge difference to one of Stripey Stork's family in need. 

Amazing People Making a Difference

A brand new Mountain Buggy Nano Duo pushchair was re homed by Stripey Stork this week. It is the people involved with this donation that make it particularly special and we think it should be celebrated. 

This brand new Mountain Buggy was sent to Stripey Stork from us. Double buggies are usually in short supply at Stripey Stork so it's always exciting when they receive one, especially in such good quality as this one. Store Manager, Lauren and the NBS team made this possible as part of the on-going partnership. We wanted this ex-display item to be re homed where it would make a real difference and trusted that Stripey Stork would make that happen. Due to the sensitive nature of the cases Stripey Stork work with, most of their cases are confidential. So what we didn't expect was to hear back a real life story of how our donations helped to make a difference. 

The Story

At Stripey Stork we work with such caring community partners and Sallie from the Cobham & Banstead Community Midwife Team is no exception. She was keen to help a family on her caseload – the Mum has a seven month old baby and a toddler and, since the birth of the second child, had been using an old stroller which was unsuitable and unsafe for transporting a toddler. This was sadly her only option as buying one, even second hand, was out of the question.

Sallie explained that before the team knew about Stripey Stork, the Community Midwives at Epsom had gathered together suitable equipment, clothing, toys, food and toiletries for the family. Incredible women exceeding the expectations of their role and coming together to support other women.

The Recipient 

The Mum in question had a particularly difficult upbringing involving drugs and prescription medicine. After losing her own mother at a young age, she suffered from ongoing mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. With very little family support, both emotionally and financially, it’s been a tough time. But, she is managing to turn her life around with the support of others and is solely focused on the health and well-being of her children. Her persistence and determination are to be applauded.

Making a difference

So, when we were able to contact Sallie this week to pass on the good news that we had a double buggy for Mum, she knew this was going to be life-changing for them. She quickly came to collect it as she knew Mum would be keen to start using it.

Sallie reported back the next day and told us that this ‘freedom machine’ had already allowed Mum to attend her Community Mental Health Support Group getting the children there safely. One of the many journeys she’ll be able to make using the buggy as she continues her progress and raises her children. And it obviously means such a lot to her – one of the support team there saw her padlocking it outside the centre to make sure her precious new buggy was left secure.

Our team take such care to match the items we receive to the referrals on our list, and in this scenario once again, we got it just right. With space being such a premium in the family flat, it can be folded down and comfortably tucked behind the sofa. It’s also manageable for her to carry down one flight of stairs with two kids in tow.

Mum summed it up: “This buggy is awesome!”

For Stripey Stork it’s another referral marked as ‘completed’ and once again made possible by a group of amazing women. From the donors to the Stripey Stork donation and referrals team. From the referral source to the grateful recipient. We all share the same belief – that children deserve the same start – and by working together we have once again made a difference.

Stories like this and hearing the difference we are making has motivated everyone at NBS to continue supporting Stripey Stork as much as we can. Keep your eyes peeled for updates and ways that you can get involved.