Help for Newham: Alternatives Trust East London

Figures from baby banks across the UK reveal that almost 200,000 babies and children relied on their support in 2023 alone. Demand for these vital services has surged, with baby banks experiencing a 54.4% increase in requests for help between 2021 and 2023. This growing need highlights the ongoing challenges families face in accessing essential items and support, particularly those affected by poverty, housing instability, and immigration-related issues.

We are honoured to have partnered with Alternatives Trust East London, a Newham-based charity dedicated to supporting pregnant women and mothers facing significant challenges, including mental health issues, parenting difficulties, and poverty. An estimated 80-90% of the women they assist lack legal status in the UK, have experienced abuse, and are homeless or living in temporary housing. Most are single parents navigating these struggles alone.

Our funding has contributed to their Baby Bank and Family Hub initiatives, providing vulnerable families with essential items like nappies and baby toiletries, access to hot meals and basic groceries, and much-needed emotional support.

One of the beneficiaries said: “The baby bank at Alternatives Trust has been a huge help for me. This support has made a big difference for me and many other mothers in ensuring our babies have the essentials they need. Thank you for the amazing work you do!”

Alternatives Trust said: “The Baby Bank is hugely helpful for lone mothers in temporary accommodation without family in the UK who are living on little or no income – they have no recourse to public funds (so can’t claim benefits), are refugees/asylum seekers, are undocumented/waiting for their immigration claim to be processed. The bank allows us to ensure that their babies are warm, clean, and safe, and have some toys to support their development. ”

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