Spalding and Surrounding Area Baby Bank thanked for helping a new mum

A new mum has thanked the community for its amazing support for herself and her baby.

Tatiana Bourdon (20) has been overwhelmed with the support she has received from the recently formed Spalding and Surrounding Baby Bank.

Tatiana, who is staying with friends and family in the Sutterton area, was days away from giving birth but without the funds to be able to pay for the items that she and her baby desperately needed.

“Four or five days before I gave birth they literally came and really helped me,” Tatiana explained. “I’m a 20-year-old single mum and I have tried for the last eight or nine months to get bits and bobs for my baby and just coming up to the last final weeks I was struggling to get bits like blankets and towels.

“I have been sofa surfing and I cannot afford to get a lot of stuff. As the last few weeks came up I started asking on Facebook if anyone was able to gift on and help someone like me in need. Someone helped me with a few blankets and towels and they recommended the baby bank.”

Not only did the baby bank manage to get essentials for Tatiana, they also put together a box full of other items that they thought she would need.

“There were blankets, nappies, maternity clothes and maternity bras, toys, a box of formula drinks and breast pads. They catered for both of us,” she explained.

“If it was not for them I would have been really struggling. I’m not afraid to ask for help as much any more.

“I have always volunteered and helped local foodbanks and I hope to give back again when I am in a better position.”

Tatiana’s daughter Cartia Ebony-Rose was born on February 21 at Boston’s Pilgrim Hospital, with her sister Kaysleigh Toyne (27) as her birthing partner.

“One of the blankets that the baby bank gave us my daughter has used as a comfort blanket. It is such a warm, thick one,” she added.

Tatiana moved to the area in August last year from South Yorkshire, and is on a waiting list for accommodation with Boston Borough Council.

She said: “I was living in a private rented home in Barnsley and I kept getting broken into. I’d had previous miscarriages and I did not want to cause stress. I stayed with my parents first but they could not accommodate me so I came to stay with other friends and family.”

The Spalding and Surrounding Baby Bank was set up by Steph Jennings and Sarah Phoenix in February this year to offer support for parents who are struggling.

Steph said that Tatiana was one of the first mums they helped and reassured people that it is okay to ask for help.

“Don’t be afraid to send us a message. We are not judgemental. We might ask a couple of questions but that is just to see the best way we can help you,” she said.

You can find the Spalding and Surrounding Baby Bank on Facebook or call 07458 385903.

South Holland District Council can assist people needing help securing accommodation, who are homeless or threatened with homelessness in the district, plus advice on preventing homelessness, the people’s rights and any help that is available from the council or anyone else.

A spokesperson said: “Anyone who finds themselves in this situation in South Holland should contact the council’s housing options team as soon as possible, or call the free phone number 0808 100 0210 which is open 24/7. More information is also available at www.sholland.gov.uk/homelessness”