Urgent winter clothing appeal for baby banks

"Little Village, which represents a number of baby banks in the capital, told the BBC that supplies at their hubs were running low due to more families facing increased financial pressures. A survey by the charity found 81% of parents it currently helps felt they could not afford warm coats, boots or jumpers for their children. CEO Sophie Livingstone said increasing winter costs were "robbing parents of sleep and peace of mind," and she urged people to donate "before the cold sets in.""

""During the winter months, my family and I experience significant financial pressures. "Heating and electricity bills increase and keeping the home warm becomes a major expense. "At the same time, we often need to buy warmer clothing and additional household items to cope with the cold, which adds to our financial strain. "We have to make difficult choices, such as cutting back on other essentials, just to get through the season.""

Little Village, a network of baby banks across London, is urgently appealing for donations of clothes, blankets and other supplies as hub stocks run low amid rising financial pressures on families. A survey found 81% of parents helped could not afford warm coats, boots or jumpers, and nearly two-thirds worried about food, nappies, wipes and heating. Parents reported stress, anxiety and sleep loss. Hubs operate in Camden, Wandsworth, Brent, Hackney and Hounslow and receive referrals from community professionals such as midwives. During 2024 the network distributed thousands of coats, shoes, blankets, bedding items and over 45,000 pairs of socks.

Read at www.bbc.com