Demand at the Hartlepool Baby Bank has reached unprecedented levels, with the organisation now assisting approximately 150 families weekly – a tenfold increase since its inception in 2019. Emilie de Bruijn, Chair of the community initiative, attributes this surge primarily to escalating childcare costs and the inability of parents to secure work that accommodates family responsibilities.
Struggling Working Families Drive Demand
The Hartlepool Baby Bank, which provides essential items such as clothing, toys, and equipment for children, has witnessed a dramatic escalation in need. De Bruijn stated, “Parents can’t find work that fits round children, childcare costs keep rising, people are just really struggling.” This sentiment highlights a growing segment of the population experiencing financial strain despite being employed.
Government figures indicate a stark reality for the region, with 27% of children in Hartlepool living in absolute poverty as of 2024/25. The baby bank’s growth mirrors this trend, having expanded from assisting just six families in its inaugural week to the current figure of 150.
Expanded Needs and Community Support
Families are not only seeking help more frequently but are also requesting a broader range of items. “We have had 139 brand new families this year, and more than 2,000 repeat referrals, that’s families who we have already helped,” de Bruijn noted. “A few years ago they’d just be looking for shoes, now they need coats, they need clothes as well.”
The organisation offers support ranging from general advice to emergency provisions for unexpected births. While all donations are appreciated, there is a particular need for cots, toiletries, nappies, and maternity pads, with even opened packets being accepted. De Bruijn emphasised the community-driven nature of the initiative, describing it as “one family to another, it’s a community supporting itself.” She further elaborated on the ‘working poor’ phenomenon, stating, “So many people who come to us are working-poor, but they are stuck in this cycle they can’t get out of because of childcare costs and that means demand for our help has never been higher.”
The Department for Education has been approached for comment regarding childcare subsidies.
