We are a Dorset Charity, based in Christchurch. We provide a vital service for many children and families in the Poole, Bournemouth & Christchurch area.
Ashley’s Birthday Bank was set up at the end of 2014 and registered as a charity in April 2015. We provide two types of services: Firstly we provide underprivileged children (up to the age of 16) with a birthday and Christmas present to ensure they do not go without on these special occasions. Secondly we provide a crisis service for families who find themselves going through a financially difficult time or who have escaped domestic violence, neglect, human trafficking or abuse.
The crisis service provides food shopping, baby equipment, nappies, baby milk, clothes, toiletries, cleaning equipment, toys, arts & crafts, beds, bedding, household items etc. We also work closely with the local refuges, the human trafficking unit, Social Workers, Health Visitors, Rape Counsellors, Police Liaison Officers, School Pastoral Care Workers etc.
Unfortunately the need in this area is massive and we are receiving daily requests for support. All families have to meet the criteria we have set to ensure only those in real need receive our support. These referrals need to come from Social Workers, Support Workers, Pastoral Care Workers, Health Visitors etc. They can email us for a referral form – ashleysbirthdaybank@gmail.com
To provide these services we rely solely on donations from local Companies and individuals.
Anyone who thinks they may be able to donate, or support us in any way, please do get in touch.
We have 3 Trustees, who all work on a voluntary basis, so every penny raised, and every item donated, goes directly to the families who need our support – something we are passionate about.
Left to right:- Lynn Hewitt, Danielle Turner, Anna Carney
Interviews from Tanya Shenton, Education Social Worker from Ocean Learning Trust; Mr Yapp, Assistant Head Teacher of Highcliffe School, and Charli Bartholomew, Family Outreach Worker from Canford Heath Children’s Centre. Thank you also to 4com for undertaking these videos to promote the help we provide them in different ways