Skylight Baby Basics

Skylight Baby Basics aims to provide quality baby equipment on a loan and return basis and a toy lending library for children aged 0 - 2 years old. We also have a supply of quality baby clothes and some baby essential toiletries.

Skylight Baby Basics is open most Thursdays from 12.30 - 2.30pm at Hall Green Methodist Church, Roseberry Avenue, Bell Green, Coventry, CV2 1NE.

There is a £1 one off membership fee to join. Baby Equipment is loaned out on payment of a returnable deposit of roughly one-third of the cost of that equipment up to a maximum of £30. For example a cot requires a £30 deposit and a single pushchair £20. Provided the equipment is returned in good condition the deposit is refunded. There is no time limit on equipment loans, but they do need to be renewed regularly. Toys can be borrowed for 2 weeks at a time at no charge. There is also secondhand baby equipment for direct purchase.

This service was initially funded through Children In Need and The Eveson Trust. It has been widely used since the autumn of 2005 with over 150 children benefiting from the service. Many statutory agencies, health professionals and other voluntary agencies refer their clients to the service. Their comments include "Well done. I've found your service very valuable. I'll continue referring clients."

The project is entirely run by a team of volunteers. We are looking to expand the service later in 2008 and so are always interested to hear from potential new volunteers.

Donations are also accepted of good quality secondhand baby equipment, baby clothes particular for new borns, and essential baby items: Nappies, Baby Lotion, Baby Shampoo, Baby Bubble Bath and Baby Wipes. These can either be brought to Hall Green on a Thursday or alternatively ring Skylight on 02476 603444 to arrange to drop them off at CCM in Deedmore Road.