Camborne mum launches 'baby bank' to help struggling families this Christmas
Chelsie is making up festive bags full of essential supplies
A mum from Cornwall has set up a 'Christmas baby bank' to help struggling families on low incomes this winter.
Chelsie from Camborne is filling festive bags full of items such as baby food, wipes and nappies.
They will then be dished out to those in need, working alongside food banks and health visitors to hand them out.
"The families that are on furlough, only getting 80% of their pay, that is not enough for low income families. Also there are parents coping enough not to need help from the food bank but all families on low incomes do struggle with unexpected expenses."
Chelsie, Christmas Baby Bank organiser
What is in the bags?
Nappies, baby wipes, calpol, baby bottles, baby wash, thermometer, bath sponge, chocolate for mummy/daddy, nappy sacks, muslin cloths, baby vests/grows, Christmas presents for babies and also little Christmas bags made up with arts and craft for any age 1+.
All items are brand new and come from Chelsie's wishlist.
"As we do not have a baby bank in Cornwall it would be really good to have one. A charity run for all the essentials a parent need for their little ones this time of year.
"I will be working with professional figures like health visitors/social workers and local food banks to provide Christmas bags to families financially struggling who need the baby essentials, I will be donating to the local refuges to support domestic abuse victims with young children.
"Food banks do not provide the basic essentials parents need for their babies, this isn’t through their choice but they don’t ask for the donations and the public does not donate anything baby related.
"I’m trying a baby bank for Christmas to see how much support I get in doing so.
"I would like us to support families at what may be a time of financial and emotional stress.
"Coronavirus has had a hard hit for those families on a low income now suffering depression and anxiety."
Chelsie, Christmas Baby Bank organiser
You can find out more and help the Christmas Baby Bank here.