Little Village warns that newborn babies could go without cots or clothing

London baby bank network, Little Village, said today it expects to support around 850 young babies this summer, yet fears it will soon run out of essential items.

Little Village takes referrals from health and social care professionals, and already has 100s of expectant mums on its list for July and August, all in need of essential items for their babies. It is busier than ever with families needing help due to soaring energy, housing and food prices.

Little Village urgently needs donations of:

• Clothing for ages 0-6 months
• Moses baskets, cots, cot beds and toddler beds
• Prams suitable from birth
• Slings and baby carriers
• Baby toys
• Towels

Little Village has already supported 50 per cent more families across London in the first six months of this year, than it did in 2022. The latest figures from End Child Poverty research show that 33 per cent of children are living in poverty in London.

Sophie Livingstone, CEO of Little Village said: “More and more families need our help as the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite. Many are having to make impossible choices between food, electricity and the essential items that young children need like nappies, clothing and toys.

“We are worried that we will soon run out of some of the key items needed by families. Without an increase in donations, we will have to tell families that we are unable to provide cots for their babies, that we don’t have enough sleepsuits to keep them cosy.

“We are asking people to donate any excellent quality items for young babies and if you don’t have these items, please consider donating money, which can help us deliver items to families across London.”

Donations can be dropped at Little Village donation points, which are across London in areas including Kings Cross, Wembley Central, Tooting and Hackney.

For information on how to donate please visit this page.

Ends

For more information contact Emma Gibbs 07593135790 / media@littlevillagehq.org

About Little Village: Little Village supports families with babies and children under five living in poverty across London.  The charity runs a baby bank network, collecting, sorting and passing on pre-loved clothes and equipment.  Parents are also supported by signposting and guidance teams.

End Child Poverty data: Every year the End Child Poverty Coalition, together with the Centre for Research in Social Policy at Loughborough University, publishes data on the number of children living in poverty, in each Westminster Constituency and Local Authority across the UK. The main webpage with all the info on the research is here: https://endchildpoverty.org.uk/child-poverty/