Tooting Parents most affected by cost-of-living crisis smile again at local baby bank
Earlier this year we spoke to Jen, the baby bank manager at Tooting who first started donating items to the baby bank 3 years ago when she fell in love with Little Village HQ and knew she wanted to work there.
“I have a daughter myself and I know how much ‘stuff’ children need, and you end up with a lot of ‘stuff’ that can help someone else.” – Jen
And Little Village HQ helps these local parents who are referred in so many different ways. The baby bank delivers items, and in the shop, parents can come to pick up essential supplies, get some advice, have a coffee, and a useful chat too.
Volunteers are keen to help, Jen is proud of the friendly team and the signposting team who can help parents find other services like food banks and community support groups.
What really make these parents smile is the friendly people behind the experience. Jen says she can imagine how it must feel to ask for help, the team don’t want anyone to feel ashamed or embarrassed.
Everyone gets a pre-packed bundle, but parents are also asked to choose what they think they need, and they are given space to sit down and talk. This is where the team can really figure out what’s going on for these families, and what support they need.
But the team are inundated with referrals, and they need support to get to more families in urgent need. Volunteer Wandsworth have started advertising some great roles to build your skills and support this great cause.
Other useful reads on the cost of living crisis:
Would you like to volunteer and help families during the cost of living crisis? Sign up to our volunteer website to browse opportunities at Little Village and apply.
