Couple aim to combat negativity with baby bank

"There's no shame in asking for help, we are here to help."

When Kavita Kaur Dhillon and her husband Karvinder spotted a mother in desperate need of baby formula on Facebook, they knew they had to help.

The pair reached out and started buying items for people in need before setting up Handsworth Baby and Family Bank on Soho Road, Birmingham, last year, filled with community donations.

"Because of our own fertility struggles we want to support people because we haven't been in that situation where we need that help and one day we might," Ms Dhillon said.

From nappies and clothes to toys and milk, they provide a range of essential products for free and encouraged people to not be afraid to use their bank for support.

Karvinder Dhillon described the feeling of helping others as something that "money couldn't buy".

The Dhillon's said they have been "deeply moved" by the generosity and kindness of their community in providing donations.

"We have been able to assist struggling families, mothers escaping domestic violence, abuse. The support we have received has been overwhelming," they added.

The bank, which is inside Dhillon's Boutique, appealed for donations of baby essentials like nappies and milk to help others.

"We want to get everyone to unite, be positive and make the world a safer place for people who are struggling," Mr Dhillon said.

The pair encouraged people to pop in to say hello and have a cup of tea or coffee in the shop when they had a free moment.

"It's nice to know that some went home with a full belly, with a hot belly and stuff that they needed," Ms Dhillon said.

"There's too much negativity in the world and if there's anything we can do, is put a smile on people's face."

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