Stories

Thu, 26 Mar 2026

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 Working parents 'struggling to afford nappies or food'

More working families asking for baby essentials
The Forest of Dean Baby Bank has seen a significant increase in demand, with a 55% rise in requests for help over the past year. This surge can be attributed to the cost of living crisis, which has left many working parents struggling to afford basic necessities like food, household bills, and essential baby items such as formula and nappies. A trustee at the bank notes that parents are increasingly finding it difficult to make ends meet, with salaries not stretching far enough to cover all expenses. One beneficiary of the bank's services, Bex Whittle, praises its usefulness in covering costs such as clothes, wipes, and nappies. Whittle, who has used the baby bank for 16 months, has also taken on a volunteer role to help educate others about the service and encourage donations. Another volunteer, Cathy Morgan, highlights the importance of community support, stating that the bank "wouldn't survive" without it. The rise in demand at the Forest of Dean Baby Bank is mirrored across other baby banks, which are facing increased pressure due to the cost of living crisis.