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Mon, 13 Jul 2026

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 Demand for baby bank growing faster than donations

The charity says it gave out 36,400 items of child clothing and 536 tubs of formula milk in 2025.

* Bedford BabyBank, a charity that helps families in need, has seen demand increase faster than donations.
* In 2023, it helped around 1,100 families, but in 2025, that number jumped to 2,098, with many people returning for help multiple times.
* The charity's CEO, Michaela Martindale, said the ongoing cost-of-living crisis is causing more people to struggle and rely on the charity's services.
* In 2025, Faces BabyBank handed out: + 36,400 items of children's clothing + 54,080 nappies + 536 tubs of formula milk + 298 newborn starter packs + 3,768 books and toys
* The charity relies on donations of good quality goods or financial contributions to purchase essential items.
* Martindale said many parents in work are still unable to afford essentials due to low wages.
* The baby bank operates from the Bedford Foodbank warehouse and provides a range of essentials including cots, Moses baskets, prams, highchairs, bedding, and baby baths.