Share

cover art for  Empowering Families with Brierley Hill Babybank

The Black Country Blokes

Empowering Families with Brierley Hill Babybank

Ep. 191

In this heartfelt episode of The Black Country Blokes, we shine a spotlight on the incredible work of Brierley Hill Babybank. Since its establishment in February 2019, this inspiring initiative has been a lifeline for families in the community facing financial hardships while adjusting to life with a new baby.


With the support of generous donations from the local community and secured grant funding, Brierley Hill Babybank has already touched the lives of over 630 families. By taking referrals from NHS health professionals, family support services, and community organizations, they ensure that essential items reach those who need them the most.


Volunteers, fueled by passion and dedication, play a pivotal role in creating beautifully gift-wrapped packs that include new toiletries and other essentials for moms-to-be and families with children under two years old. Every Moses basket is provided with a brand-new mattress, adhering to guidelines outlined by The Lullaby Trust for safer sleeping against sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).


Beyond their core mission, Brierley Hill Babybank extends support to families on a 1-2-1 basis, inviting them to be part of the sorting and packing process. In this close-knit family, additional support, confidence, and guidance for the future are offered.


Join us as we engage in a heartfelt conversation with the passionate individuals behind Brierley Hill Babybank and learn how they are making a tangible difference in their community, one baby essential at a time.


#BrierleyHillBabybank #CommunitySupport #HelpingFamilies #BabyEssentials #VolunteerOpportunities #CharityWork #PovertyRelief #PodcastInterview

More episodes

View all episodes

  • 227. Rising Boxing Star Hamza Uddin | Fight Night Preview | The Black Country Blokes Podcast

    01:03:28||Ep. 227
    In this episode of The Black Country Blokes, hosts Lee and Kev chat with Hamza Uddin, a rising star in British boxing signed with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing. Hamza is gearing up for his fight on Saturday, November 30th, 2024, at the BP Pulse LIVE in Birmingham, on the undercard of the highly anticipated SUNNY EDWARDS vs GALAL YAFAI showdown. With an impressive 2-0 (1KO) pro record, Hamza has already made waves in the sport as an 8x National Champion, 7x International Gold Medalist, and the youngest ever 2x Senior Elite National Champion. Join us for a conversation about his journey, training, and ambitions for the future.#HamzaUddin #MatchroomBoxing #SunnyEdwards #GalalYafai #BoxingPodcast #TheBlackCountryBlokes #BoxingUndercard #EddieHearn #BPulseLIVE #UKBoxing #BoxingChamp
  • 226. From Adversity to Advocacy: Kristian Marrey’s Mental Health Journey

    50:01||Ep. 226
    In this compelling episode of The Black Country Blokes, hosts Lee and Kev sit down for a second time with Kristian Marrey, a dedicated mental health support worker for the NHS. Kristian shares his deeply personal story of overcoming adversity, from witnessing his mother's battle with alcohol to being forced to grow up quickly while caring for his younger brother. His journey through hostels and hardship has fueled his passion for helping others facing mental health challenges.Tune in to hear how Kristian transformed his troubled past into a mission to support others, offering hope and the message that no matter where you start, you can change your life. This is an episode full of resilience, strength, and inspiration.#KristianMarrey #MentalHealthJourney #TheBlackCountryBlokes #LeeAndKev #MentalHealthSupport #OvercomingAdversity #Inspiration #MentalHealthMatters #BreakTheStigma #Podcast #ChangeYourLife
  • 225. Breaking the Silence: Men's Mental Health Matters

    19:58||Ep. 225
    In this powerful episode of The Black Country Blokes, hosts Lee and Kev tackle the often-overlooked topic of men's mental health. From battling stigmas to sharing personal stories, they explore why it's essential for men to speak up, seek support, and prioritize their well-being. Join the conversation as they discuss strategies for mental resilience, coping with stress, and breaking down the barriers that keep men from opening up.Don't miss out on this honest and insightful discussion that could change the way we think about men's mental health.#MensMentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #TheBlackCountryBlokes #MenTalkingMentalHealth #BreakTheStigma #MentalWellbeing #Podcast #MentalHealthMatters #LeeAndKev
  • 224. Mental Health, Rugby, and Resilience | Shaun Griffiths' Journey

    56:38||Ep. 224
    In this episode of The Black Country Blokes, hosts Lee and Kev sit down with Shaun Griffiths, a mental health professional with over 20 years of experience working in crisis care, inpatient services, and with the NHS Mental Health Improvement Support Team. Shaun opens up about his personal journey, playing rugby, and facing mental health struggles, addiction, and the impact of suicide. Tune in for an insightful conversation about the importance of mental health awareness, resilience, and how Shaun has navigated both professional and personal challenges.#MentalHealth #Rugby #AddictionRecovery #SuicideAwareness #TheBlackCountryBlokes #Podcast #Resilience #NHS #MensMentalHealth #MentalHealthMatters
  • 223. World Suicide Prevention Day & 100mph Zip Line for Dravet Syndrome

    30:52||Ep. 223
    In this powerful episode of The Black Country Blokes, hosts Lee and Kev talk about World Suicide Prevention Day, observed every year on September 10th, to raise awareness and provide support for those struggling with mental health. We also share an incredible journey as Lee and his son Alfie take on the world's fastest zip line—100mph on a 1.5km stretch—to raise money for Dravet Syndrome UK, a cause close to Lee's heart, as his daughter Calla-Rose lives with the condition. Join us as we discuss mental health, awareness, and overcoming challenges. Please consider supporting Lee's zip line challenge by donating to Dravet Syndrome UK through the link below!Sponsor us here: Donate to Dravet Syndrome UK#SuicidePreventionDay #MentalHealthAwareness #BlackCountryBlokes #DravetSyndrome #CharityChallenge #ZipLineChallenge #100mphZipLine #SupportDravet #FamilyStrength #WorldSuicidePreventionDay #PodcastEpisode #MentalHealthMatters #DonateForACause
  • 222. Exploring Peacebuilding Through Sports and Arts: A Conversation with Sayra van den Berg

    58:58||Ep. 222
    In this episode of The Black Country Blokes, hosts Lee and Kev sit down with Sayra van den Berg, a peace and conflict researcher at the University of York. Sayra shares her incredible work with ex-combatants in Sierra Leone, exploring their post-war justice needs and experiences. We also dive into her current research in South Sudan and Kenya, where she examines how sports and arts play a crucial role in disrupting ongoing conflicts and fostering peace within war-affected communities. Tune in for a deep and thought-provoking discussion on peacebuilding through unconventional means.#Podcast #PeaceBuilding #ConflictResolution #SportsForPeace #ArtsForPeace #SouthSudan #SierraLeone #BlackCountryBlokes #AcademicResearch #PostWarJustice
  • 221. Samantics - The One-Man Wall of Noisy Poetry

    01:16:07||Ep. 221
    Join Lee and Kev on The Black Country Blokes Podcast as they dive into an electrifying conversation with Sam from Samantics. Known for his one-man show of honesty, energy, and unique sounds, Samantics uses his lyrics to portray his distinctive vision of the world. From his punk-influenced upbringing to his transformation into a powerhouse performer, Sam shares his journey of turning words into life-saving lyrics and creating an unforgettable live experience. Don't miss this episode filled with inspiration, creativity, and off-the-chain performances!#TheBlackCountryBlokes #Samantics #Podcast #Music #Poetry #LivePerformance #CreativeJourney #Inspiration #UniqueSounds #OneManBand
  • 220. Inside the World of Forensics with Jo Ward

    01:05:04||Ep. 220
    Join Lee and Kev on The Black Country Blokes as they dive into the fascinating and intense world of crime scene investigation with special guest Jo Ward. With 26 years of service in the West Midlands Police and 24 years in forensic investigation, Jo shares her gripping experiences and insights. Awarded Police Staff Member of the Year in 2022, Jo discusses her role in solving high-profile cases, her appearance on the BBC's "Forensics, The Real CSI," and her newly released book, "Every Contact Leaves a Trace." Hear about the challenges she faces both on and off the job, including her battles with PTSD, motherhood, and cancer. Don’t miss this compelling episode filled with real-life stories from the frontline of crime scene investigation.Hashtags: #BlackCountryBlokes #Podcast #Forensics #JoWard #CrimeSceneInvestigation #CSI #MentalHealth #Motherhood #PTSD #Policing #TrueCrime #EveryContactLeavesATrace #BBCForensics #Inspiration #ADHD #CancerSurvivo
  • 219. Resilience and Redemption: Clive Branson's Journey Through Adversity

    56:12||Ep. 219
    Join Lee and Kev on this compelling episode of The Black Country Blokes as they sit down with Clive Branson, a man who has turned his profound experiences into a beacon of hope for many. From his early years in the Royal Air Force and a long tenure with the Ministry of Defence to his challenging yet inspiring personal journey, Clive shares how he built a career studying the human condition and mastering effective communication.After leaving the MoD in 2017, Clive's life was shaken by a series of heartbreaking events: losing his father to Parkinson's and Dementia, battling Motor Neurone Disease, a severe mental breakdown, and losing his mother to Covid. Despite these overwhelming adversities, Clive found strength in the love and support of his family, redefining his outlook on life.In this episode, Clive opens up about how he uses his story to connect with others, from corporate audiences to prison inmates, demonstrating the incredible resilience and fortitude we all possess. He passionately discusses the importance of self-compassion, empathy, and the power of maintaining a positive mindset. Clive's authenticity and humor make his message not only relatable but profoundly inspiring.Tune in to hear how Clive's journey from despair to hope can inspire us all to live each day to its fullest.#Resilience #MentalHealth #InspirationalStories #Podcast #TheBlackCountryBlokes #OvercomingAdversity #CliveBranson #LifeLessons #PositiveMindset #Empathy #SelfCompassion