Leeds Baby Bank marks it's busiest month since opening in 2017

This month alone the charity has reached over 400 local people

Baby bank
Author: Hannah NorburyPublished 30th Jul 2021

Leeds Baby Bank says it's seen it's highest ever referral rate since opening in 2017.

This month alone the charity has reached over 400 local people, via 102 families referred to them.

The charity works with the NHS, Leeds City Council, and other professional referral partners to provide essentials to families in financial crisis.

According to research carried out by Loughborough University for the End Child Poverty Coalition, Yorkshire and the Humber has seen child poverty rates increase over the past five years.

Rates in the region have risen by almost a fifth - from 28% to 33% - over the last five years.

They receive donated family essentials, like cots, prams, clothes and toys and distributes them to families in crisis.

Will Munton, the manager explains:

“Whilst we serve families in Leeds, we need support from our city. Families do their bit by donating items, helping other families whilst reducing landfill, but to cover our costs we are increasingly in need of corporate supporters; whether that’s work teams signing up to Miles for Smiles - our August exercise campaign to raise money, or donating a small amount each month to help us to survive.’

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