Christine Lampard backs Little Village’s urgent Winter Warmers appeal to keep children warm

TV presenter and mum Christine Lampard is throwing her support behind Little Village’s Winter Warmers appeal, as stark new figures show the capital’s families are bracing for a brutal winter.

Four in five parents (81%) surveyed and supported by Little Village, say they can’t afford warm coats, boots or jumpers for their children, while nearly two-thirds worry about food (65%), nappies and wipes (68%), and heating their homes (62%). A national poll echoes the alarm, with four in five adults “outraged or worried” that babies will go without essentials. 

The findings reveal that financial pressure is taking a heavy emotional toll. Nearly 60% of parents feel “very stressed or anxious,” half report low mood or exhaustion, and a third are losing sleep. London parents of under-5s are among the hardest hit, with one in three saying the strain is damaging relationships and family life. 

With stock already running low, our network of baby banks are calling for urgent donations of blankets, pre-loved winter clothing, bedding and shoes as part of our Winter Warmers appeal.  

Christine Lampard, TV personality and Little Village supporter, said:

“That some little ones out there are facing the winter without something warm to wear is heartbreaking – as a mum, it just hits different. You know how quickly kids grow out of things, and those coats and boots still have so much life in them. Little Village is making sure they get to children who really need them, right here in London. If you’ve got bits your kids have grown out of, please pass them on. It’s such a small thing, but it could mean the world to another family.”    

Sophie Livingstone MBE, chief executive for Little Village said:

“We need to act fast to get winter-ready and ensure every child has the basics to stay warm. It’s not just cold homes – winter costs are robbing parents of sleep and peace of mind. Please check your cupboards and drawers and donate so we can get vital supplies to families before the cold sets in.” 

The Winter Warmers appeal is asking parents across London to donate essentials such as great quality blankets, bedding, pyjamas, pramsuits (0-6 months), coats (3-5 years) and weatherproof shoes and boots. 

One mum supported by Little Village explained:

“During the winter months, my family and I experience significant financial pressures. Heating and electricity bills increase and keeping the home warm becomes a major expense. At the same time, we often need to buy warmer clothing and additional household items to cope with the cold, which adds to our financial strain. We have to make difficult choices, such as cutting back on other essentials, just to get through the season.” 

The shortage comes as demand for essential baby items continues to soar with ever-increasing numbers of families falling into poverty each week. In 2024 alone, our network of baby banks distributed 6,752 coats; 14,163 pairs of shoes; 2,857 blankets; 1,472 items of bedding and 45,220 pairs of socks to families in need.  

You can help today by:

• Drop off your donations at our hubs in Camden, Brent, Tooting or Wandsworth.

• Send a gift:

  • £10 helps provide a family with essential winter warmers such as a cosy blanket, soft bedding, and a snug coat or pair of shoes.

  • £30 wraps three families in warmth with bundles of bedding, blankets, winter coats and weatherproof shoes, ready to keep little ones cosy.

  • £50 provides four emergency Winter Warmer packs for expectant mums, ensuring newborns arrive to a home stocked with blankets, tiny coats and other cold-weather essentials.