Summary
Working parents are finding it hard to afford basic items like baby wipes and nappies due to higher living costs. A Gloucestershire baby bank saw a 55% increase in demand from families in need over the past year. Volunteers and the community support the baby bank by donating items and helping families.
Key Facts
- The Forest of Dean Baby Bank helped 177 families in January 2026, up from 111 families in January 2025.
- Rising food prices and household bills are making it difficult for working parents to cover essential costs.
- Bex Whittle, a user of the baby bank, mentioned using it to get clothes, wipes, and nappies for her children.
- Trustee Asiza Tate noted that many families needing help include those with one or both parents working.
- The baby bank runs entirely on volunteer support, with no paid staff.
- Volunteers sort donations, pack orders, and deliver items like clothes, nappies, and baby milk.
- Families can give back items their children have outgrown and receive larger sizes in return.
