Baby banks face soaring demand

BABY banks offering clothes, toys and cots have seen demand soar – with one charity helping three times as many children as a year ago.

Almost half have seen a rise in need since March. Little Village baby bank helped 4,134 children in the six months to June at its three

London sites – up from 1,382 a year earlier. Founder Sophia Parker said: “Demand is unprecedented.”

Parent groups say child poverty will worsen as schools return due to the closure of after-school clubs.

The Out of School Alliance’s Clare Freeman said: “Parents rely on wrap-around care to let them work.”