Why is demand rising so quickly at Leeds Baby Bank?

Leeds Baby Bank says it has seen a marked increase in referrals from health and social care teams in recent months. Since early June, the charity has provided essential items such as Moses baskets, pushchairs, nappies and clothing to 550 families, and it fears demand will rise further as winter approaches.

Founder Chantal Nogbou says families are being squeezed between heating costs and children’s everyday needs. Rising energy and fuel prices are creating fresh pressure on low-income households, and the charity says need is no longer limited to households without work.

The profile of families seeking support is changing

According to Nogbou, around 70% of the children receiving help have at least one working parent. She says this shows that paid work alone is not enough to balance a household budget, especially as higher rent, energy and transport costs make families with children more vulnerable.

  • Items distributed by the charity include Moses baskets, pushchairs, nappies and children’s clothing.
  • Most referrals come through health workers and social care professionals.

What do regional figures say about child poverty?

According to UK government data, 27% of children in the Yorkshire and Humber region live in families on relatively low incomes. That is among the highest rates in England, alongside the West Midlands.

Relative low income means a household’s annual income is below 60% of the national median household income for that year. Nogbou says that in some parts of Leeds, as many as one in two children are at risk of relative poverty, adding that the situation has worsened sharply in recent years.

Moving premises and rising bills add to donation pressure

The charity’s move from a city-centre office to a larger, more accessible building in Armley has increased its capacity, but also its costs. Higher expenses at the new site, along with rising electricity, heating and other operating bills, have increased the need for funding.

The organisation says it relies on both in-kind donations and small regular payments to keep operating. Stressing the importance of community support, Nogbou says even a £5 monthly donation can help cover a basic need such as a new Moses basket mattress.