Calls for capped products as 'baby bank' set up for struggling Bedfordshire parents
It comes as costs for baby products continue to rise
The Chief Executive Officer of 'FACES' (Families' Access to Community Essential Support), a Bedfordshire-based baby bank, has emphasized the need for greater assistance to be provided to struggling families.
Michaela Martindale's plea for increased support comes as the organization continues to witness a rising demand for essential baby items among families facing financial hardships.
FACES was established earlier this year in response to the growing need for affordable baby products. Over the years, the organization has received numerous donations from individuals and businesses. FACES launched the baby bank to address the specific needs of families seeking assistance.
The range of products offered by FACES is extensive, catering to infants and children up to the age of seven. The inventory includes essential items such as stair gates, high chairs, Moses baskets, diapers, baby formula, and a wide variety of clothes. The baby bank strives to ensure that families in need have access to these crucial items at reduced prices, allowing them to provide a safe and nurturing environment for their children.
Martindale says the initiative is 'bittersweet'.
"While the baby bank serves as a beacon of hope for struggling families, it also highlights the growing financial challenges faced by working families. Many hardworking parents find it increasingly difficult to afford the basic necessities for their babies and young children. The situation is further exacerbated by instances of families seeking refuge from domestic abuse or temporary housing, finding themselves without any belongings upon arrival".
She told Greatest Hits Radio Bucks, Beds and Herts, that a particular area of concern is the rising cost of baby formula. She expressed her support for efforts to cap the prices of essential items like baby formula.
"Although the government issues healthy start vouchers to eligible families, many working families who do not meet the criteria are unable to access this support".
She suggests extending the voucher program to include working families and increasing the allowance to provide more substantial assistance. Currently, the vouchers amount to approximately £10-£15 per week, which covers only a single tub of baby formula.
Additionally she emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the available support options for parents, particularly regarding breastfeeding, which can significantly reduce costs.
"Bedford Borough benefits from children's centers and health teams that offer breastfeeding support. And I encourages families to seek out these resources and explore breastfeeding as a cost-effective alternative. However, for families that choose or require formula feeding for medical reasons, she stressed the need for measures to keep costs affordable or provide additional support".