A BARRHEAD woman is setting up a ‘baby bank’ in her home town for parents who need a bit of extra help.

Nicola McGowan decided to take action after discovering the nearest one is in Glasgow.

The baby bank will be available at the Auchenback Resource Centre (ARC) on the second and last Wednesday of every month to provide free nappies, wipes, formula, clothes and other supplies.

It will offer vital help for parents at a time when the cost-of-living crisis has left many local households struggling to make ends meet.

Nicola, who recently gave birth to a baby boy, told the Barrhead News: “My health visitor was telling me about the baby bank in Glasgow and, as I don’t drive, it got me thinking ‘how would I get help?’ “That’s when I realised Barrhead needs a baby bank.

“It will be there for everyone, not just those in receipt of benefits.

“If an unexpected bill comes up and you’re short of money that month, if you are feeding your baby over yourself, it means you can both eat.

“The baby bank is for everyone and anyone, with no judgement attached.

“Brian, from the ARC, has been incredible when it comes to offering support. He came up with the idea of hosting the baby bank on the same day as the breastfeeding and new mums’ clubs, to help remove any stigma.”

Supermarket giant Asda are supporting the intiative with a trolley sat at the till points collecting items from shoppers that can be given to the baby bank.

It is also hoped the town’s Tesco store will get involved.

Nicola is no stranger to helping others, having launched her Nelly Boxes charity two years ago.

It provides self-care boxes to help people who have experienced baby loss.

Nicola is pleased to be building on the charity’s success by launching the baby bank.

She said: “It can be hard to get baby clothes, as even charity shop prices have gone up, and you aren’t going to find nappies or formula in a charity shop.

“Quite often, baby clothes are put in bags at the back of the attic and forgotten about. Now they can be put to good use.

“I wanted to make sure that the baby bank can tie into Nelly Boxes. Miscarriage affects such a small part of the community but it is still important to talk about it.”

Although the baby bank will only operate at the ARC twice a month, Nicola will be able to provide help outwith those days.

“I understand that the current allocated times may not work for everyone, so if you are needing something from the baby bank and the times don’t suit, send me a message on the Nelly Boxes Facebook page,” she said.

“I can then organise a time that suits or a delivery.”

Nicola also runs a support group on the last Wednesday of each month for anyone who is struggling with baby loss.

The gatherings take place in the Westbourne Centre from 6.30pm to 7.30pm.

Anyone who would like to donate to the baby bank or find out more about any of Nicola’s charity work can contact her at www.facebook.com/nellyboxes.