Greater Manchester has launched the first city region-wide Baby Bank Network, bringing together community-led support to help families facing financial hardship and crisis.
Research shows that a baby’s earliest experiences are critical to a good start in life, but almost 30% of children under five in Greater Manchester are growing up in poverty. As part of its 10-year strategy, Greater Manchester has committed to ensuring every child and young person has the support they need to thrive.
Baby banks provide a crucial service to families facing financial hardship, providing essential items for babies and young children, such as baby clothes and nappies, on referral basis, as well as support and advice for parents.
Now, for the first time, Greater Manchester’s 10 baby banks are being brought together as one network thanks to new funding from the GMCA and partnership working with Home-Start HOST, a local family support charity. As a co-ordinated group, baby banks can now join up their resources, raise awareness of their services, and ultimately increase their capacity to reach more parents in need of support.
Rosie, a volunteer at Home-Start HOST’s baby bank in Audenshaw, said:
“I volunteer at a baby bank for many reasons. I was a midwife and later a health visitor and I have referred many times into the service for families in need.
“I have witnessed how much they appreciate what is given to them – the parents’ faces light up as if they’ve hit the jackpot or as if it’s Christmas Day, and that memory has stayed with me.
“Though I am retired now, while I volunteer for the baby bank, I know I am touching many children and families’ lives for good and that makes me feel useful and happy. So, the extra benefit is it always brings a smile to my face knowing that it makes a real difference to people’s lives and wellbeing.”
Investing in and connecting voluntary and charitable organisations is an important part of Greater Manchester’s Live Well approach. This aims to ensure that everyday support for all residents, including families, is available in every neighbourhood.
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham said:
“We have been clear in Greater Manchester: we want all children and young people here to thrive. Sadly, we know that some families do face hardship and need help, and that the services they turn to can often feel remote. But our communities do come together to help others and can often provide solutions.
“That’s why, through Live Well, we are redefining how to put meaningful, everyday support back at the heart of every neighbourhood, and our new baby bank network is fantastic example of that approach. It’s crucial that our voluntary sector has the resources it needs to continue what it does so well.
“I urge people and businesses to support our baby banks so that they can continue to support families in crisis, because every baby deserves the chance to thrive.”
In addition, GMCA and NHS Greater Manchester are working with the Baby Bank Network to introduce an enhanced Safer Sleep offer for families in crisis. This includes an offer of safe bedding, a room thermometer and safe sleep information, which helps to keep vulnerable babies safe and reduce the risks associated with sudden infant death syndrome.
