The Baby Room Exeter wins Exeter Hero Award for outstanding community support

A beloved community hub for new and expectant parents, The Baby Room Exeter has been named the very first recipient of the brand new Exeter Hero Award at this year’s Exeter Living Awards. 

This recognition celebrates individuals or organisations making an extraordinary difference in the lives of local people.

The award marks a milestone for the Exeter Living Awards, as it is the first time this special category has been introduced, shining a spotlight on community-driven work that enriches the city beyond the business sphere.

Founded and co-directed by Jen Harris and Gill, The Baby Room has evolved from humble beginnings into a vital community lifeline. 

What started over 17 years ago as a monthly “Nappuccino” session in a scout hut has grown into a vibrant, six-days-a-week support space just off Exeter’s High Street, offering free drop-ins, expert advice, and a welcoming environment for parents and carers.

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Co-Director, Jen Harris, shared her excitement and pride at receiving the accolade: “To be recognised by other serious local businesses in this way is so exciting. We are not just ‘mums doing a good thing’ (although it is totally great and loads of fun!), but serious female business owners creating a sustainable, responsive resource for the families of Exeter and beyond. The Baby Room is an essential, much-loved service.”

“We have worked in one way or another for over 17 years, from a once-a-month Nappuccino session in a scout hut in the suburbs, to now opening six days a week with a free drop-in space just off Exeter’s High Street!”

“We fill the gaps and provide peer support where the NHS and the Local Authority have had funding and staffing cuts leaving families without essential services such as timely breastfeeding support and pump hire. When parents get early free support it can ease the pressures of early parenthood and reduce the risk of more serious mental health issues in the future,” she added.

Reflecting on the achievement, Jen commented that she is “so proud. We love Exeter and we feel we add something totally unique which makes our city so diverse and interesting. We love what we do - supporting new families has become a real passion.”

At The Baby Room, new parents can find guidance on slings, cloth nappies, breastfeeding, and all the questions that come with early parenthood. The team also runs an array of classes and groups, including Baby Massage, Mini First Aid, and Active Birth Yoga.

Beyond its advice and workshops, The Baby Room also hosts a maternity and nursing clothes shop, helping families save money and reduce waste. Donations of clothes, nappies, slings, and funds are always welcomed, ensuring that support remains accessible to everyone.

From birth pool and breast pump hire to friendly “chats over a cup of tea”, The Baby Room continues to demonstrate how grassroots, community-led spaces can have a profound impact on the wellbeing of Exeter’s families. 

As the proud holders of the first-ever Exeter Hero Award, Jen and Gill’s Baby Room stands as a shining example of compassion, connection, and commitment to Exeter’s vibrant community spirit.