One of the town's community projects has received a prestigious award on behalf of the King for its role in helping people across the town.
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NewsTranscript
00:00 I'm in the Hartlepool Baby Bank with Emily de Broon. Did I get that right?
00:05 You did.
00:06 What's your role here?
00:07 So I'm the chair of Hartlepool Baby Bank. I'm also the founder and probably chief bottle washer as well.
00:13 You've had Lord Lieutenant Sue Snowden here today.
00:17 Yes.
00:18 I believe you've been presented with an award.
00:20 We were. We were absolutely honoured to be presented with the King's Award for Voluntary Service,
00:24 which is basically the highest honour that voluntary groups can get.
00:27 How did it feel for you?
00:29 Honestly, there are no words. I'm really emotional because this is a true testament to the work that the volunteers here have put in
00:36 to serve the local families in our community. It's been a labour of love, but today was just worth everything.
00:42 Good morning all.
00:43 Good morning.
00:44 I'm Emily.
00:46 Welcome to the King's.
00:48 The last time I saw you was at the TV.
00:49 Yeah, we've never actually met.
00:50 No, we haven't.
00:51 We've just gone to your TV.
00:53 We've just gone to your TV.
00:54 Yes, indeed.
00:55 I believe you know these gentlemen.
00:57 Well, I...
00:59 Yes.
01:00 Good morning. First duty. Looking very smart.
01:04 I know.
01:05 I will warn you, it's very heavy. Very, very heavy. But it's for you.
01:11 And can I just say thank you to all of you for what you do.
01:15 Because it's a tremendous service that you are giving and this is so truly well deserved.
01:22 Here we go.
01:24 I best not drop it.
01:26 You best not drop it.
01:27 You best not drop it.
01:28 Thank you so much.
01:30 There, can you see it?
01:32 [Applause]
01:35 What makes today a normal day for you? How does it begin? How does it end?
01:39 There is no normal day at the Baby Bank, but we arrive, we set up, we put nappies in bags, we make sure everything's clean and tidy.
01:46 We welcome the families in. And then it could be giving out nappies, it could be giving out clothes, it could be one of our maternity packs.
01:53 It can, no two days are the same because it all depends on which family comes through the door when.
01:58 But there's a lot of sorting through donations, there's a lot of preparing up and there's a lot of lovely conversations with families.
02:04 I get the impression you don't turn anybody away.
02:06 We don't. Everybody is welcome at Hartlepool Baby Bank.
02:09 There are just two rules. Be pregnant and have a child. And don't sell what we give you.
02:14 [BLANK_AUDIO]