Baby bank has been ‘lifeline’ for families as demand increases

The charity, run by the West Sussex Coastal branch of the National Childbirth Trust (NCT), provides essential items for mothers and babies.

Alice Duckworth, who runs the baby bank service, said: “We are still seeing a sharp increase in our referral numbers, and have helped over 100 families since August.

“We are keen to spread the word further that we are here to help.

“We want families to know it is a quick and easy process to access support, and that its okay to ask for help.

“This year has been incredibly hard for many and we are so proud to be able to make a difference in our community.

“We have recently had some very generous clothing donations which has filled up our stock and so I’d urge anyone who would like to support us to please donate toiletries for mums and babies, and also nappies in larger sizes.”

The baby bank works using a referral scheme with around 25 partners.

Families can request support by contacting their midwife or health visitor, their nearest Family Centre, food banks, Citizen’s Advice Bureau hubs and other charities such as My Sister’s House, Safe In Sussex and West Sussex Mind.

Items that are available include Moses baskets, changing mats, clothing for babies and children up to 11 years of age, maternity clothing, nappies and toiletries, toys and books.

Family support charity Home-Start Arun, Worthing and Adur (AWA) said it could not have met the increase in demand for its services the coronavirus pandemic created without support from the baby bank.

Charlotte Simmons, senior organiser at Home-Start AWA, said: “It has been a lifeline for us and our families at a time when levels of deprivation have sky-rocketed.

“Financial constraints, social isolation and the impact on family’s mental health are just a few of the issues that have increased for families in our local community.

“My experience of using Little Bundles Baby Bank is extremely positive; stepping up quickly and efficiently to go above and beyond in providing essential items such as nappies, toiletries and clothing for our families in need.”

The baby bank is running a Christmas appeal working closely with Santa’s little helpers, schools and the public asking for items for mums, dads and children which will be passed on to families in need.

Visit ‘Little Bundles Baby Bank Chichester and Arun’ on Facebook or www.nct.org.uk for more information.

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