Local MSPs representing constituencies across North and South Lanarkshire visited Baby Bank Scotland, who are currently situated in Hamilton Academical’s Fountain of Youth Stadium.

Baby Bank Scotland support families living in poverty by appealing to the local community to donate items they no longer use for them to then pass on to those in need.

These items range from cots, clothes and toys to shoes and other essential items that babies and young children use.

Last year, Baby Bank Scotland donated to 1375 children, which included 892 bags of clothing, 800 boxes of shoes and, over the festive period, they donated 914 Christmas packs, which included brand new clothes and up to six toys.

This work is conducted entirely by a small group of volunteers who donate their time and effort to improve the lives of so many vulnerable young people and their care givers.

Sadly, over this period, Baby Bank Scotland’s premises at Hamilton Accies stadium flooded, which ruined their premises and a large quantity of their stock. Therefore, Baby Bank Scotland are urgently looking for new premises to continue their service provision.

Clare Adamson MSP, the SNP MSP for Motherwell and Wishaw, Stephanie Callaghan MSP, the SNP MSP for Motherwell and Wishaw, and Christina McKelvie MSP, the SNP MSP for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse, visited Baby Bank Scotland to offer support for Baby Bank Scotland’s search for new premises.

Commenting on her visit, Christina McKelvie MSP for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse said:

“It was tragic to see the damage that occurred from the flood in Baby Bank Scotland’s premises. However, I drew inspiration from the tenacious and dedicated attitude and energy of the small groups of volunteers that make such a huge difference to so many.

“The sheer number of children they managed to help last year proves more than anything that they care about what they do, and they deserve our support. In conjunction with Clare Adamson and Stephanie Callaghan, I am resolved to provide any and all assistance possible to ensure that Baby Bank Scotland can find a new premises that is suitable for their needs.”

Clare Adamson, MSP for Motherwell and Wishaw said:

“Baby Bank Scotland’s team of volunteers are unwavering in their effort and energy towards helping people across Lanarkshire.

“It was devastating to see what has happened because of flooding but it was clear from our visit that the team remains committed to their work.  Organisations like Baby Bank Scotland are what makes a community special. Their support, and the generosity of people across Lanarkshire, helps so many in difficult times.

“Poverty should have no place in our society but groups like Baby Bank Scotland can be a lifeline.  I want to thank the volunteers for hosting us and they can be sure that we will do what we can to help them find new premises and carry on supporting vulnerable families.”

And, Stephanie Callaghan, the SNP MSP for Uddingston and Bellshill has this to add:

"During this current financial crisis the Baby Bank has helped more families than ever and it would be a real tragedy if they have to close their doors after their current premises at Hamilton Accies Fountain of Youth Stadium were flooded during the Christmas holidays. The help that the Baby bank provides to the most vulnerable families across Lanarkshire is invaluable, and I will work closely with the Baby Bank and my colleagues to assist in any way that I can to ensure that the Baby Bank is able to continue to provide this service across Lanarkshire.”