Baby bank supports more than 100 families struggling to cope

published on 13 Apr 2023

Baby bank supported over 100 struggling families in Southport last year

A church and charity’s baby and toddler bank helped more than 100 families with essentials last year and use of the service this year has continued at an alarming rate.

The Salvation Army in Southport launched Little Miracles in 2020 to support families experiencing financial hardship and has seen a steady increase of clients since opening, with 120 families supported last year as the cost of living started to dramatically rise.

Southport Salvation Army baby and toddler bank supported over 100 families in 2022

Supported by another local Christian charity, Compassion Acts, Little Miracles, located at the church and community centre on Shakespeare Street, works on a referral basis supplying bespoke emergency parcels that are created based upon each client’s individual needs. Parcels can include baby formula, nappies, toiletries, clothes and baby food - and those needing extra support can obtain a referral from foodbanks, family wellbeing centres, social workers, health visitors or schools.  

Kathryn Casserley, community programme and engagement manager for The Salvation Army in Southport said: “We have seen so many families affected by the rise in the cost of living, families that are desperate and don’t know where else to turn or what else to do. Families that are at breaking point and have made so many cutbacks to pay for their rising energy bills that they just can’t cut back anymore; the little money that they do have is just not stretching far enough.

“Referrals are on the increase and we’re seeing more families on low incomes as well as those working and claiming Universal Credit. The need for support is now everywhere and people are coming to us, tearful that they can’t provide for their children. Each parcel we make up is packed with love and is given in the same spirit and we’re proud to be here for anyone that needs that extra support.”   

The Salvation Army's baby and toddler bank, Little Miracles, supported more than 100 families in 2022.jpg
Referrals are on the increase and we’re seeing more families on low incomes as well as those working and claiming Universal Credit. The need for support is now everywhere and people are coming to us, tearful that they can’t provide for their children."
Kathryn Casserley, community programme and engagement manager for The Salvation Army in Southport

The Salvation Army’s baby bank supports families from Formby, Ainsdale, Birkdale and Banks and accepts donations of quality, pre-loved clothes from newborn to age 2.

For anyone wishing to financially support The Salvation Army’s baby bank, donations can be made to www.justgiving.com/southportsalvationarmy or in person at the church and community centre: 65 Shakespeare Street. Donations will be used to purchase food and baby formula as and when necessary to save items passing any expiration date and whilst all donations are welcome, people are encouraged to donate only what they can afford.

Little Miracles launched in 2020
A mum sitting on the sofa with her two children, she has her arms around her young daughter and they are both smiling at her teenaged son as he reads from a book.

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