STRUGGLING parents can pick up free essentials for their children from baby banks across the UK.
There are more than 100 sites offering free nappies, clothes and toys to hard-up families.
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A baby bank is similar to a food bank, but instead of meals it helps people with other essentials.
They could be a lifeline for households who are worried about making ends meet as the cost of living rises.
If you’re struggling to get by, here’s when a baby bank might be able to help you.
Are baby banks different to food banks?
Families who are struggling to pay for meals are often referred to food bank run by the Trussell Trust or another community organisation.
The Trussell Trust runs a nationwide network of around 1,200 food banks across the UK.
You need to be referred to by organisations such as GPs, schools, or help organisations such as Citizens Advice to gain access.
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At the food bank, you’re given a food voucher that you can swap in exchange for a parcel of non-perishable foods.
But food banks can also provide baby supplies including nappies, baby wipes and baby food.
Whether there are any baby items in stock though varies from food bank to food bank based on what donations have come in.
However, specialist “baby banks” run by local organisations and charities cater specifically for parents who need to get essentials for their children.
What do baby banks provide?
It’s completely up to the baby bank what it’s able to provide.
They typically dish out free toiletries and essentials purchased from donations, as well as distributing secondhand clothes, toys, and other items such as prams.
London-based organisation Little Village, for example, says it provides free clothes, toys and other kit for babies and children up to the age of five.
While Baby Basics provides Moses basket starter packs including newborn nappies and baby wipes, as well as clothing, pushchairs, toys and toiletries to families living in Sheffield.
The Nappy Project hands out nappies, wipes, and food, as well as toiletries, sanitary wear, and medication, plus beds, cots, pushchairs, sterilisers, and baby baths.
How can I find a local baby bank?
There’s no up-to-date tool listing every baby bank in the UK, so your best bet is to google what’s available in your local area or ask charities such as Citizens Advice and Trussell Trust for information.
As a starting point, Little Village has an interactive baby bank tool of more than 100 baby banks UK-wide, although this was in 2018 so the data may have changed since then.
Little Village itself has sites in Camden, Wandsworth, and Southwark in London.
Sheffield-based Baby Basics, has more than 30 locations around the UK – you can use its interactive map to find your nearest.
Another organisation is the Baby Bank Network, located in Bristol, which says it’s helped similar organisations launch in Exeter, Isle of Wight, and North East Aberdeenshire, and Stripey Stork is a baby bank based in Surrey.
Can I use a baby bank?
How to access a baby bank’s service depends on the centre itself. Some may allow struggling families to contact them directly, while others require referrals from officials.
With Little Village and Stripey Stork, for example, you need to be referred by someone such as a midwife, family support worker, health visitor, food bank, social worker, or children’s centre.
They can do this via Little Village’s and Stripey Stork’s online referral forms.
Baby Bank Network also requires online referrals.
With Baby Basics, check with your local centre how to apply for help, while you can visit The Nappy Project’s Facebook page to get in touch if you’re struggling.
This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk
