I felt alone as a mum but so many vulnerable women have it much worse – baby banks are vital, says Louisa Lytton | The Sun

FROM a young age, all Louisa Lytton ever wanted was to become a mum. So when she got a positive pregnancy test in January 2021, Louisa and her then fiancé Ben Bhanvra were over the moon. 

However, motherhood hasn’t always been plain sailing for the actress, 34, and she admits that at times, it’s been harder than she ever expected.

In an exclusive chat, Louisa explains, “I feel very, very fortunate and lucky that I’ve been able to have a healthy baby. Aura is all I’ve ever wanted. But while I’ve had a support network of family and friends, there are times when, as a mum, you can feel isolated. 

“There are days when I’m literally surrounded by people, but feel alone. You’re over tired, you feel stressed, you worry about silly things, like ‘is she OK’ – and you feel like the only person having these thoughts and feelings. I have to tell myself it’s very normal to feel this way. Having a baby is definitely the biggest life change I’ve ever experienced.”

The former EastEnders star, who has just celebrated her first wedding anniversary with Ben, is backing Fabulous’ Baby, Bank On Us campaign.

Launched in May in partnership with Save The Children, Little Village and more than 200 baby banks nationwide, the appeal is asking readers to give money, supplies or their time to baby banks. 

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There are hundreds of banks across the country, each providing essentials such as wipes, clothing, prams, nappies, toys and cots to struggling parents. 

Louisa is the latest celebrity mum to back our appeal. We joined her as she spent the morning volunteering at her local baby bank, Little Village, in Brent, north London. 

TV presenters Christine Lampard, Charlotte Hawkins and Kate Lawler, singers Alexandra Burke and Kimberley Wyatt, plus Dame Arlene Phillips, have already pledged their support.

Louisa says, “It’s such an important campaign and as a mum it’s something close to my heart. 

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“I was very fortunate when I had Aura that I had a lot of friends and family who could help and support me. It’s incredible how many things a tiny human needs and how much it all costs. But sadly not everybody has the money, means or support. I just can’t imagine what it’s like to be in a vulnerable position and to be bringing a baby into the world. It’s very, very tough.”

Louisa kindly donated a huge bag of baby items to the bank and helped its volunteers fold babygros and blankets and sort socks into ages.  

During her time there, Louisa met with families who rely on the facility, and at one point became tearful as they shared their stories.

Lorna*, 44, explained how the bank was a lifeline for her when she arrived in the country as an asylum seeker with her three year old daughter Lucy* last year. 

How YOU can support Fabulous’ Baby, Bank On Us campaign 

– Give money by donating here or by scanning the QR code.

– Give clothing, toys and essentials to a baby bank, wherever you are in the UK. 

– Give your time volunteering.

To find your nearest baby bank, visit Littlevillagehq.org/uk-baby-banks.

Lorna now volunteers at the bank two days a week and helps signpost other vulnerable women to social care. 

“When I came to this country, I had nothing,” Lorna says. “Little Village welcomed us, they gave me clothes, nappies and toys for Lucy to play with. Now, I want to give back and help other women. They’ve not only supported me and put clothes on my daughter’s back, but through volunteering I’ve made friends, and for the first time we feel part of a family.”

Louisa and Lucy spent time together playing with fairy toys, and at one point Louisa picked up a toy guitar to play a tune – much to Lucy’s joy.

Louisa says, “Lucy is adorable and such a happy little girl. Despite everything that Lorna has been through, Lucy knows nothing of it and is just a normal, sweet little three year old. 

There are days when I’m literally surrounded by people, but feel alone

“When I was her age, if my mum and dad struggled, I didn’t know about it. They would always make sure that no matter the situation, there was food on the table and that I felt safe. I can see that’s what Lorna is doing for her daughter.”

She adds, “What is great about this baby bank is that it’s a safe place for families, it’s very welcoming and set out like a boutique. The children can play in the dress up area and you can have a cup of tea and feel looked after. 

“It can be hard for some people to ask for help, but this is such a warm and friendly environment. I feel like it’s a place where people can come and talk, but also feel listened to.”

What are baby banks?

Baby banks provide essential items for babies and young children whose parents are living in poverty – including nappies, wipes, clothing, bedding, Moses baskets, cots, blankets, toys and books.

There are over 200 baby banks in the UK, and they run out of shops, community centres, warehouse units and even people’s living rooms and garages.

Last year 4.2 million children in the UK were living in poverty and 800,000 children lived in a household that used a food or baby bank.

Little Village, founded by mum-of-three Sophia Parker in 2016, has five branches across the capital, and has already helped more than 11,000 children.

However, Brent branch manager, Renata Acioli, says more work needs to be done and there are currently 850 families across London currently in desperate need of newborn goods, from clothes, prams and Moses baskets.

Having a baby is definitely the biggest life change I’ve ever experienced

Renata, who welcomed The Princess of Wales as a visitor to the bank last year, fears the need will only become greater as more and more families are hit by the cost of living crisis.

“There’s a huge group of people in need,” she says. “We see nurses, midwives and other professionals walking through our doors and needing our help. There’s a lot of people suffering from economic hardship. 

It’s incredible how many things a tiny human needs and how much it all costs

“What we've noticed is both parents are working, but it’s not enough and they still need the help. The financial crisis is affecting everybody.”

Louisa has vowed to return to Little Village to volunteer – and will be bringing Aura, 22 months along, to help.

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“She would love it here,” she says. “She would love to play dress up and meet some new friends. After seeing firsthand today the work that is being done, I want to do more to help. I will be donating more items and will be telling my friends to all do the same.”

*Names have been changed

BABY BANK LOCATIONS

BELOW is a selection of baby banks by region. See the web address at the end of the page to find contact details for all the country’s baby banks

• North West

Baby Basics Bolton & Bury, West Lancashire

Baby Basics Carlisle, Cumbria 

Baby Basics South Lakes, Cumbria 

Baby Basics, Cleator Moor,  West Cumbria

Trafford Little Bundles, Lancashire

TippyToes BabyBank Preston, Lancashire

Salford Baby Bank, Lancashire

Snowdrop Doula CIC Burnley, Lancashire

Cascade Baby Bundles, Audenshaw, Cheshire

The Baby Room at Spinners, Leigh, Lancashire

The Healthy Gems Baby Bank, Oldham, Lancashire

NCT Mid Cheshire

NCT Preston Baby Bundles, Lancashire

KidsBank Chester, Cheshire

Motherwell Pass It On Baby Bank, Winsford, Cheshire

Hyndburn Baby Bank, Accrington, Lancashire

• North East

Growbaby Newcastle, Tyne & Wear 

Love, Amelia, Sunderland, Tyne & Wear

Birth Bath and Beyond, Scarborough, North Yorkshire

Clothe and Feed South Shields, Tyne & Wear

Clothe and Feed Sunderland, Tyne & Wear 

Rosie's Corner, Hexham, Northumberland 

Stockton Baby Bank, County Durham

Darlington Baby Bank, County Durham

Baby Basics Darlington

Growbaby Hull, Yorkshire

Little Acorns Baby Bank Durham, County Durham

Hartlepool Baby Bank, County Durham 

• North

Growbaby Teeside, Thornaby, Stockton-on-Tees

Baby Basics Leeds, West Yorkshire

Baby Basics Doncaster, South Yorkshire

Leeds Baby Bank, West Yorkshire

Baby Basics Sheffield, South Yorkshire

Birth Bath and Beyond Scarborough, North Yorkshire

Bradford Baby Bank, West Yorkshire

POPI Baby Bank Keighley, West Yorkshire

Rainbow Baby Bank Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire

Stepping Stones Baby Bank Wakefield, West Yorkshire

Calderdale Lighthouse, West Yorkshire

Tiny Hands Baby Bank Pontefract, West Yorkshire

Growbaby York, North Yorkshire

• South West

Ashley's Birthday Bank, Christchurch, Dorset

Baby Bank Network Bristol

Baby Basics Gloucester, Gloucestershire

Baby Basics Cornwall

Baby Basics Plymouth

Brighter Bristol Storehouse, Bristol

Baby Basics South, Ilminster, Somerset

Growbaby Tiverton, Devon

Children's Storehouse Plymouth, Devon

Uplift Tiverton, Devon

Exeter Baby Bank Network, Devon

Little Lighthouse Baby Bank Wythenshawe, Manchester

Baby Bundles Wiltshire

The Nest Project, Bath, Somerset

Gloucestershire Bundles, Gloucester

Open Door Exmouth, Devon

Forest of Dean Baby Bank, Gloucestershire

Small Stuff Baby Bank, Radstock, Somerset

Stroud District Kid's Stuff, Gloucestershire 

Teignmouth Baby Bank, Devon

Ten Little Toes Baby Bank, Cowfold, West Sussex

Growbaby Swindon, Wiltshire

• South East

Baby Bank & Beyond (South Wealden) CIC (Hellingly), East Sussex

Sebby's Corner Borehamwood, Hertfordshire

Stevenage Babyshed, Hertfordshire

Baby Basics Billericay, Essex

Growbaby Whitstable, Kent

Growbaby Aylesbury, Bucks

Baby Basics Bromley, Kent

Best Start Baby Bank, Eastbourne, Sussex

Basildon Borough Baby Bank, Essex

Growbaby Maidstone, Kent 

Growbaby Rayleigh, Essex

Baby Basics Chelmsford, Essex

Growbaby St Albans, Herts

Growbaby Hemel Hempstead, Herts

Precious Bundles Colchester, Essex

Fighting Chance Baby Bank, Petworth, West Sussex

Baby2Baby, East Sussex

Baby Basics Brighton

Baby Basics Dover & Deal, Kent

Baby Basics Englefield Green, Surrey

Baby Basics Folkestone, Kent

Baby Basics Willvern, Essex

First Days Reading, Berkshire

Baby Basics Hastings and Rother, East Sussex

Baby Basics, Grays, Kent

Baby Basics Shoreham, West Sussex

NCT Winchester Baby Bundles, Hampshire

NCT Woking Baby Bundles, Surrey

Pelican Parcels Brighton and Hove, Sussex

Baby Stuff Braintree, Essex

Tots 2 Teens Colchester baby bank, Essex

Stripey Stork, Reigate, Surrey

Sunshine Baby Bank Southend, Essex

The Baby Bank HQ Havering, Essex

The Baby Bank HQ Thurrock, Essex

Community Wardrobe Chelmsford, Essex

The Baby Bank Windsor, Berkshire

Growbaby Storehouse Ashford, Kent

Moses Basket Brentwood, Essex,

Growbaby Chelmsford, Essex

NCT Little Bundles Baby Bank Chichester & Arun, West Sussex

NCT Baby Bundles Sevenoaks and Tonbridge, Kent

Mama to Mama, Margate, Kent

Home-Start West Berkshire Baby Bank, Newbury, Berkshire

Growbaby, Wokingham, Berkshire

The Baby Bank HQ Barking, Dagenham and Redbridge, Essex

• South

Baby Basics Portsmouth, Hampshire

Baby Basics Guildford

Baby Branch Southampton, Hampshire

Baby Necessities Southampton, Hampshire

Portsmouth Baby Bank, Hampshire

• Channel Islands

Baby Basics Jersey

• London

214 SPACE Baby Bank Hub Brent

214 SPACE Baby Bank Hub Hammersmith & Fulham

214 SPACE Baby Bank Hub Kensington & Chelsea

Growbaby Lighthouse, Sutton, Greater London 

Growbaby, Newham

Growbaby, Merton

Bromley Brighter Beginnings

Growbaby Purley

Baby Basics, Barnet

Cariad Baby Bank, Harrow

Growbaby Kingston upon Thames

Choices Boutique Islington

Cornerstone Baby Bank Leyton

Growbaby Wandsworth

Baby Basics Sunbury

Growbaby Enfield

Ealing Salvation Army Baby Bank

The Small Project South London

Tiny Toes, Tiny Feet, Northwood

Camberwell Baby Bank

Orchard Baby Bank, Woodford

Peabody Toddlers Clothes Bank, Ilford

Pram Depot Wood Green

Little Village (London-wide)

Mammakind Baby Bank, Greenwich

MerryGoRound Islington

Growbaby Hoxton

NCT Redbridge Baby Bundles

Hackney Children & Baby Bank

Ilford Salvation Army Baby Bank

Mama2Mama Woolwich

Lloyd Park Children's Charity Baby Bank Walthamstow

The Extra Mile, Hampton, Richmond Upon Thames.

• Midlands

Brierley Hill Baby Bank, Dudley, West Mids

Baskets of Joy Leicester

Growbaby Leicester

Alice Charity, Newcastle under Lyme, Staffordshire

Growbaby Northampton

The Arches, Nottingham 

High Peak Baby Bank, Buxton, Derbyshire

Growbaby, Nuneaton, Warwickshire

Growbaby Bedworth, Warwickshire

Bicester Baby Bank, Oxfordshire

Elayos Baby Bank Birmingham

Baby Basics Wolverhampton

Growbaby Birmingham St Michaels Church

Baby Aid Birmingham

Baby Basics Warwick

Baby Godiva Coventry

Growkids Coventry

Baby Basics Chesterfield, Derbyshire

Baby Basics Long Eaton, Notts

Baby Basics Leicester

Baby Basics Northampton

Baby Basics Hinckley, Leicestershire

Growbaby Birmingham Vineyard City Centre Site

Tots in Need Walsall, West Mids

Spark Baby & Children's Bank Staffordshire

Staffordshire Baby Bank, Stafford, Staffs

Telford and Wrekin Baby and Toddler bank, Shropshire

Clothe and Feed Wallsend, Herefordshire

Little Stars Shropshire

Karis Baby Bank Central Birmingham

NCT Malvern Hills Baby Bundles, Worcs

Little Cherub's Baby Bank High Peak, Derbyshire

Growbaby Worcester

• Wales

Baby Basics Dryffryn Clwyd Denbigh

Baby Basics Vale of Glamorgan

Baby Basics Newtown

Baby Basics Swansea

Baby Basics Port Talbot

Baby Basics Wrexham

Cwtch Baby Bank Cardiff

Baby Basics Penrhiwceiber

Cariad a Cwtch Baby Bank Llandrindod Wells

Growbaby Cardiff

Pembrokeshire Baby Bank

Splice Baby Bank Bridgend

Bundles Baby Clothing and Birth Support, Newport

Bethel Baby Bank Port Talbot

NCT Cardiff Baby Bundles

Ely Baby Bank

Feed Newport Baby Bank

• Scotland

Bairn Necessities, Glasgow

AberNecessities, Aberdeen

Growbaby Fife

Baby Bank Scotland, Hamilton

Bairnecessities Aberdeenshire

Bear Necessities Airdrie

Togs for Tots Dundee

Glasgow Baby Food Bank

GRA Baby Bank Aberdeenshire

Nelly Boxes East Renfrewshire Baby Bank

No 1 Glasgow Baby & Family Support Service

Tiny Treasures Baby Bank Oban

Button and Bows Baby Bank Perth

Cumbernauld & Kilsyth Care

Misty Glen Baby Bank Fort William

Dingwall Primary Baby Bank

Moray Baby Bank

Monklands Baby and Family Clothing Aid

• East

Abi's Footprints, Sudbury, Suffolk

Baby Bank Norfolk

Baby Basics Lowestoft, Suffolk

Baby Basics West Norfolk

West Marsh Baby Bank, Lincolnshire

Suffolk Baby Bank, Bury Saint Edmunds 

Baby's Basket, Lincoln, Lincolnshire

Growbaby Thetford, Norfolk

Growkids Norwich, Norfolk

Fenland Family and Baby Bank, Cambridgeshire

GrowKids Cambridge, Cambridgeshire

Little Family Baby Bank, Sutton On Sea, Lincolnshire

Little Treasures Baby Bank, Horncastle, East Lincolnshire

Little Bundles, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire

• Northern Ireland

Baby Basics Antrim & Newtonabbey

Baby Basics Ballymena

Baby Basics Belfast

Bump2Baby NI (Mid-Ulster Baby Bank)

Baby Basics Banbridge

Baby Basics Causeway

Baby Basics Magherafelt

Baby Basics Mullavilly

Growbaby Enniskillen

Carrickfergus Baby Bank

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