In May 2019 Rainbow Baby Bank started out of a small cupboard in a local under 5’s play gym.  Only opening for a couple of hours a week and accepting donations from the customers.  In the first month, 6 local families were helped on a walk-in, self-referral basis. Officially opened by Alex Mardell from Coronation Street.

October 2019 was one of the Baby Banks proudest achievements.  We attended an award ceremony at the Houses of Parliament and received a ‘Kids Count Inspiration Award’ for our work in the community.  We were nominated by our MP (at the time), Tracy Brabin.

In February 2020, we proudly became a registered charity overseen by three trustees. The number of professionals using our service was now increasing month by month as more learned about the help we offered in the community.

In September 2020, Rainbow Baby Bank moved to our current, larger premises having 3 spacious floors. This allowed us to open up a charity shop in order to make ourselves more sustainable by reducing landfill.  

In April 2021, we took the decision to move to professional referral basis only.  This was in the best interest of the professionals and the families we support.  It helped us to ensure all our resources and donations were available to help the most vulnerable in our community.

In July 2022, we moved the baby bank next door to 21 Westgate.  Enabling us to offer a more discreet collection and referral service

September 2022: Winners of the Inclusive Third Sector Organisation for our multi-lingual information leaflets at the Kirklees Diversity Equality & Innovation awards.

February 2023, we opened up a Community Hub with signposting to other services offering support to families in need. The charity shop opened a dedicated upstairs baby & children clothing section.