Sussex babybanks reveal the impact the pandemic has had on families
More families have had to use babybanks – we find out how they have coped with the increase in use.
Some babybanks around the UK have seen demand more than quadruple.
The financial strain of the pandemic has left many families having to rely on babybanks.
Shelley Bennett co-founded Pelican Parcels, based in Brighton, in November 2018.
The pandemic started in its second year of operations and Shelley says it had a profound impact on their work and its volunteer model.
Shelley said: “We have had to adapt in order to support the most children possible, for example we look to work closely with local foodbanks, providing nappies and other essentials. In 2021 to date we have supplied over 55,000 nappies via this referral route alone.
“Although we expected our numbers to grow we couldn’t have anticipated that we would go from supporting nearly 500 children and pregnant mums in year one, to supporting 3,000 in year two.”
Babybanks support families who are in need providing clothes, formula, toys, books, prams and cots and cribs.
Shelley said: “It is sad that in our society babybanks and foodbanks are so prevalent. We help support families who are struggling for whatever reason, and those reasons are incredibly varied; whether it’s a parent escaping domestic violence with just the clothes on their back; refugees arriving in our city with nothing desperately seeking a new safe life; a parent who has lost their job and suddenly has no way to get essentials for their child; a parent who becomes ill and can no longer afford the basics for their children… We have seen so many reasons for need.”
Pelican Parcels supports families in Brighton and
Hove, and as far as Lewes and Newhaven.
Baby2Baby, based in Crowborough/Uckfield, collects donations of good quality clothing and essential items for babies and children 0 – 16 years and redistributes them to local families in need across East Sussex.
Hannah Powell, co-founder, said: “More than 31,000 children are living in poverty in East Sussex; this means parents having to choose between paying bills, buying warm winter clothing, or putting meals on the table.
Two thirds of children in poverty have at least one working parent.
“The impact of financial hardship can be hugely detrimental to wellbeing, education, mental health, and future outcomes.
“Redistributing items that people no longer need, and presenting them as a gift to those who do, reduces waste, promotes reuse, and as well as immediately improving the physical environment for a family in need, boosts wellbeing and shows kindness to some who have seldom
2021 has been another challenging year and for some, more difficult than 2020.
JO PETTY Founder of Ten Little Toes Baby Bank