A NEW hub has opened in Redditch to help those in the community facing the cost-of-living pressures.
The hub, based in Woodrow, is home to Animal FoodBank UK and Inspire Baby Bank Redditch and Bromsgrove.
Animal FoodBank UK provides pet food and supplies to families who may be struggling financially, helping to ensure pets can remain with their owners during difficult times.
Inspire Baby Bank supports parents with essential items such as nappies, clothing and other equipment for babies and young children.
Redditch MP Chris Bloore recently visited the hub and met Anita Hughes-Arthur, one of the organisers of Animal FoodBank UK, and Karen, who runs Inspire Baby Bank.
Mr Bloore heard about the increasing demand for support and the importance of community donations in keeping the schemes running.
He praised local residents and businesses – including Tesco in Redditch – for their continued generosity.
He said: “It was fantastic to see the Woodrow Hub in action, supporting both parents and pet owners.
“Anita, Karen and their teams are doing incredible work to make sure no family has to choose between putting food on the table and looking after their children or their animals.
“These grassroots initiatives show the very best of our community – neighbours stepping up to support one another.
“I’m hugely grateful to the volunteers who give their time and to local residents and businesses like Tesco for backing them with donations.
“These projects simply couldn’t run without that support.”
The MP encouraged residents who may benefit from the services – or who would like to donate or volunteer – to check the organisations’ social media pages for details of upcoming drop-in sessions.
