Stories

Sat, 03 Oct 2026

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 New baby bank 'open to everybody'

The facility offers essential items for free, including clothes for babies and small children.

* A baby bank in Newent, Gloucestershire, is open every Tuesday morning and offers free children's products to those in need.
* The bank is run by volunteers who collect donations from the community and have a warehouse where they store larger items such as cots.
* No one will be means-tested at the baby bank, and parents can pick up new items while donating what no longer fits their child.
* Many of the items are donated, and the team is "really, really grateful" for these donations.
* The current demand is for autumn clothing bundles, but volunteers have already started putting together Christmas boxes with festive clothing, blankets, and shoes.
* According to a report by The National Childbirth Trust, nearly half of parents struggle financially after having a baby, especially those who are self-employed or unemployed.
* Parents visiting the bank often donate items they no longer need while picking up new things for their children.
* Volunteer Isabel said she was inspired to help at the baby bank because she received food parcels and clothing when her own family needed it.
* The Forest of Dean Baby Bank is open every Tuesday morning from 09:30 to 11:30.