Taff-Ely Baby Bank

Who are we, and what is our project about?

Since 2009 Taff-Ely Foodbank has provided essential support to individuals and families across our community, addressing immediate needs while striving for long-term solutions to food insecurity.

Our brand new Baby Bank is a dedicated project to provide essential baby food, formula, nappies, toiletries, and other critical items to families with infants and young children who are experiencing financial hardship in our local communities. This project is rooted in the firm belief that no child should go without the basic necessities of life. It will be a free and confidential referral-based service designed to support parents and carers in crisis. Operating from our foodbank hubs, the project will provide tailored “baby bundles” that include a combination of age-appropriate items. 

The need for this project has become increasingly urgent. Many of the families we support through our existing foodbank services are parents of young children, including single parents, young mums, and families struggling with low income, debt, or temporary unemployment. With the cost of living continuing to rise and baby-related expenses climbing rapidly, vulnerable families are often faced with impossible choices, such as whether to heat their home or buy formula.

Taff Ely Baby Bank will be a free and confidential referral-based service designed to support parents and carers in crisis.

Why are we crowdfunding?

We’ve seen firsthand the rising need for support among families with young children. Baby Bank is our new initiative designed to provide essential baby food, toiletries, and other necessities to families in crisis. Many parents in our community are struggling with the financial burden of raising a child while facing unemployment, low wages, or unexpected hardships. We also offer referrals to benefits advice, debt management, and financial planning services, helping families develop skills for long-term financial stability. This holistic approach supports parents in becoming more financially resilient and independent, reducing the immediate pressure of crisis and creating a foundation for a more secure future. 

We’re crowdfunding to ensure that we can meet the growing demand and provide vital supplies to families who need them most. This funding will help us purchase baby essentials such as formula, nappies, clothing, and hygiene products, which are often out of reach for those living on the edge. Donations and grants will make a direct impact, helping babies and young children grow up healthy and with dignity, and easing the stress felt by parents who are trying their best in difficult circumstances.

By supporting Baby Bank, you’re not just providing a temporary fix, you’re offering hope, stability, and a lifeline to families in need. With your help, we will ensure that parents no longer have to choose between feeding their child and keeping their home warm. Together, we can ensure that all children in our community, regardless of their circumstances, have access to the essentials they need to thrive.

How we’ll spend the money raised

Equipment:

Purchase of practical equipment needed to run the project efficiently and safely. Includes: Shelving and storage bins for sorting baby supplies, safety gates or secure storage units for baby formula, a label printer and barcode scanner for inventory, PPE (gloves, hand sanitiser, masks).

Volunteer/Staff training and expenses:

Training sessions for volunteers and project staff to ensure safe, consistent, and compassionate service delivery. Includes: Safeguarding and child protection training, manual handling for bulky baby items (e.g., prams, cots), basic first aid , training in non-judgmental communication and confidentiality, external trainer fees, resources, and refreshments.

Activity costs:

Promotional materials to raise awareness among referrers, community partners, and potential donors. Includes: Flyers and posters for GP surgeries, health visitor clinics, and community centres, branded Baby Bank signage and banners for events, design and printing of referral forms and welcome cards included in bundles, social media campaign design and targeted ad spend.

Supplies:

Essential baby supplies to be distributed to families in crisis, based on need. Includes: Baby formula, jars/pouches of baby food, nappies (various sizes), wipes, and creams, bottles, bibs, dummies, baby wash and shampoo, new baby clothes and blankets, contributions toward reusable/pre-loved cots, carriers, prams (where available).

How you can help

There are three simple ways to get involved and support our project:

1. Make a donation

Every pledge gets us closer to our goal. Early support can help build momentum and inspire others to give too.

2. Spread the word

Share our project with friends, family and your wider network. The more people we reach, the more likely we are to succeed.

3. Volunteer with us

If you’d like to get involved, we’d love to hear from you. Please get in touch through the ‘Contact’ section using the subject "I want to volunteer my time or expertise" on our project page.