New baby bank 'open to everybody'

The lead volunteer of a new baby bank, which gives away free children's products to those in need, says it is "open to everybody".

The Newent hub of Forest of Dean Baby Bank at The Ark Cafe in Newent, Gloucestershire, offers everything from baby wipes and breast pumps to hats and swimwear, and can also source larger items like cots from a warehouse in Cinderford.

Helen Carter, lead volunteer, says no one will be means tested, with parents often picking up new items while donating what no longer fits their child.

Kylie, a Newent mum visiting the baby bank, said: "It's always expensive to buy new baby things and food and nappies and wipes. So to have the support locally is wonderful."

A lot of the items available at the faciltity are donated, which Carter said the team was "really, really grateful for".

Currently, autumn clothing bundles are in demand, but volunteers have already started putting together a Christmas box of festive clothing, blankets, and shoes.

"A lot of people say, 'I don't need it, I'm okay', but then a lot of people are just sort of managing their finances and are unable to have a nice day out with their children," Carter said.

"But if they [visit the baby bank], then they would be able to pay for that day out, so they might not think they're struggling, but it helps."

In its latest Parent Experience Report, The National Childbirth Trust said nearly half of parents said they were struggling more financially after having a baby, a figure which rose to about six in ten among self-employed, unemployed or part-time employed parents.

Kylie, who was on her first visit to the bank, said clothing and supplies for children were "always expensive".

"I'm quite lucky, I do have an older child as well, so I've got a lot of hand-me-downs," she said.

"But for everyone who hasn't got an older child and [do] formula feeding and things like that, it is very expensive to keep them clean and fed."

Volunteer Isabel said she wanted to give back to the centre after she was helped with food parcels and clothing.

"I know from having three small children that there is a massive need in the area, so I think this is a great thing that we're doing here," she said.

"I just wish more people knew about it."

The baby bank is open every Tuesday morning from 09.30 to 11.30.