'People have each other’s back': Eastenders actor champions community support in the Midlands

Actor and Barnardo’s ambassador Nina Wadia visited a Barnardo’s Baby Club in Wednesbury to see first-hand how the charity is helping new parents find confidence, friendship and community during the early months of parenthood. 

Nina joined families at the Family Hub in Wednesbury to learn more about the difference Baby Clubs are making to families in the Sandwell community. 

Reflecting on her own experience of becoming a young parent, Nina said: “When I was a young parent and had little kiddos, I needed advice, and I needed help. That's what Barnardo's provides. They give fantastic advice and support families in their communities – you can see there’s some lovely friendships being formed. You feel that people have got each other's back.” 

One parent told Nina that they had been attending the Baby Club since February with their six-month-old baby, describing the service as “very, very welcoming” and “very accommodating”. 

They also spoke about the reassurance of having Barnardo’s staff on hand to answer the questions that come with being a new parent: 

“You can ask them literally everything and anything. There are no silly questions, basically. Which is really good because you don't get that very often.” 

Emma Bowman, Barnardo’s Director of Children’s Services, said: “Welcoming a new baby is a time of enormous change, and no parent can be expected to have all the answers. That’s why Family Hubs matter so much – they give parents somewhere welcoming to turn for trusted advice, practical help and reassurance. 

“Baby Clubs are about much more than activities for babies. They help parents build confidence, friendships and a network of support at a time when families can feel particularly vulnerable. By investing in families early, we can reduce inequality before it takes hold and help give every child the best possible start in life.” 

The visit comes during Barnardo’s summer campaign which is shining a light on the extra pressures many families face during the school holidays. For families already struggling financially, the cost of food, childcare and keeping children entertained can quickly mount up, while the loss of familiar routines and activities can leave children and parents feeling isolated. 

Barnardo’s Family Hubs offer a welcoming place for families to find advice, take part in activities and connect with others. Services can include parenting advice, play and bonding activities, infant feeding and nutrition, antenatal and postnatal support, speech and language support and mental health support. 

For Nina, the value of having somewhere local where families can come together was clear. 

“Having this family hub here actually means a lot to people,” said Nina. “Barnardo’s cares for children – it's what they do. They just care.” 

With more than 1 in 4 children living in poverty across the UK, Barnardo’s is highlighting the additional pressures families can face during the summer holidays, including the loss of free school meals, rising childcare costs and fewer opportunities for children to stay active and take part in activities. 

Barnardo’s provides practical support to children, young people and families across the UK, including through its network of Family Hubs. The charity’s summer campaign is highlighting the importance of ensuring families can access the support, activities and safe spaces they need throughout the school holidays.