A network of baby banks in London is appealing for donations to assist families with young children during the winter months. The charity Little Village, which represents several of these banks, reported that supplies at their locations are diminishing amid rising financial pressures for many families.
A recent survey conducted by Little Village reveals that 81% of the parents they support find it challenging to afford essential winter clothing such as coats, boots, and jumpers. The charity’s CEO, Sophie Livingstone, emphasized the difficulties that families face as winter approaches and called for immediate donations to help alleviate these hardships.
Little Village operates in various areas including Camden, Wandsworth, Brent, Hackney, and Hounslow, and receives referrals from local community professionals like midwives who identify families in need. The organization has noted that nearly two-thirds of the families it assists worry about affording necessities such as food, diapers, and heating costs. They also reported increased levels of stress and anxiety among parents, contributing to sleep disturbances.
In 2024, Little Village distributed significant quantities of essential items, including 6,752 coats and 14,163 pairs of shoes to families in need. A mother supported by the charity described her winter financial challenges, highlighting the burden of increased heating bills and the need for additional warm clothing, which forces her to make hard choices about other expenses.
Christine Lampard, a TV presenter supporting the initiative, has also emphasized the importance of passing on outgrown items, as even small contributions can have a meaningful impact on struggling families. Little Village continues to ask for donations to help ensure that every child has access to adequate clothing this winter.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1kw20ppll7o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss