Demand on baby banks in Birmingham set to rise in 2023
Charities say the cost-of-living crisis is having a devastating impact on families.
A charity in Birmingham, which helps provide essentials to families with young children, is expecting demand to continue to rise in the New Year.
Baby Aid Brum supports dozens of parents across the city every week - offering things like nappies, formula milk and clothes to those struggling to afford them.
The charity has already seen a big increase in the number of families needing help in the last six months, as people struggle to afford rising energy bills and food prices.
Co-founder of Baby Aid Brum Nicky Brennan said: "The cost-of-living crisis is having a devastating impact on families. You can see it from their mental health, you can see it from their anxiety.
"It's been really hard for them this Christmas being able to plan and work out what they're going to be able to provide for their children. We can see how much it's taken a toll and how much people have needed our organisation to help them out."
Baby Aid Brum was set up at the start of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. The charity initially supplied emergency items like nappies and formula milk, but are now providing new baby starter packs, clothes and toys.
It relies on a group of volunteers to sort, pack and distribute donations to families.
Nicky continued: "We know that next year will be even more busy for us. With the energy prices going up and the cost of food, you can see that it will make a lasting impact on how far money will stretch for families.
"We're hoping that in 2023 the government will acknowledge more the cost-of-living and put in more support for families.
"However, if they don't - it's going to be a very busy year for us. But we're going to be there to make sure that families and children don't go without."
You can find out more about the help Baby Aid Brum offers here.