Increased Demand at Forest of Dean Baby Bank
A baby bank has reported a 55% rise in demand over the course of one year, attributed to the ongoing cost of living crisis, according to its leaders.
The Forest of Dean Baby Bank assisted 177 families in January 2026, compared to 111 families during the same month the previous year. This increase reflects the difficulties working parents face amid rising food prices and household expenses.
Personal Experiences from Users and Volunteers
Bex Whittle, a resident of Redmarley, has utilized the baby bank intermittently for 16 months. She emphasized the bank's usefulness in covering expenses for items such as clothes, wipes, and nappies.
"My baby was born seven weeks early and we moved house at the same time, so it was really useful.
We use it a lot for clothes as my partner also has twins, who we have around a lot, so we use it a bit like a swap shop. I have also collected baby wipes and nappies in the past."
Whittle has also contributed as a volunteer, stating:
"I have helped as a volunteer too. It's a pride thing, you don't like to ask for help, but I've come on board to help educate others."
Challenges Faced by Working Families
Asiza Tate, a trustee, treasurer, and volunteer at the baby bank, highlighted the financial strain on parents.
"Parents cannot afford essentials like formula and nappies, as their salaries are just not stretching to everything."
"We constantly have more families needing help and a lot of these families are working.
Either it's both the parents working, or one is full-time and one is part-time. They can't afford the essentials like formula and nappies, their salaries are just not stretching to everything,"
she said.
Tate expressed her dedication to the cause but acknowledged the difficulties posed by high demand and limited supplies.
"I love what we do, it's something really close to my heart. But it can be very difficult when you have a lot of demand and not enough supplies. We're blessed by an incredible community that supports us so much."
Volunteer Contributions and Community Support
Cathy Morgan volunteers at the baby bank in Ruspidge once a week and emphasized the importance of volunteer support.
"There's no paid staff, we're all volunteers, so we're absolutely essential.
I help sort the donations out, pack up the orders and deliver them. Different clothes, bundles, nappies and baby milk and if there's time I try to make inroads into the huge pile of donations,"
she said.
Morgan noted that donations continue despite economic challenges.
"Parents, if their child has grown, can give back the things they have grown out of and then order the next size up,"
she added.
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