A baby bank has been forced to throw away supplies destined to help families after they became damp and mouldy. The group, which is based at the West Marsh Community Centre, in Grimsby, said a shipping container it uses for storage has started to leak due to its age. Leanne Hudson, one of the founders, said she is worried they might not be able to continue in the future unless they can secure a new home. She said: "I've tried to sort things out but we've noticed our supplies are damp. We've had to throw about 80% of our stock and clothing away." "If we can't sort a replacement container then we're not going to be able to continue." The group was started in 2022 by a group of volunteers who were worried about the cost of living crisis. It now helps about 15 families a week by supplying nappies, baby wipes, milk formula, prams and other goods. Ms Hudson added: "It's not just families who are on benefits because we have people who are working as well. Everybody's feeling the pinch and people are really struggling. "We get a lot of calls from health visitors, social workers who sometimes just phone us when they've got an emergency. We help where we can." She toldBBC Radio Humbersidethe lack of dry, secure storage had raised questions about the future of the group. "Our shipping container is many, many years old and its getting a lot of mould. We've had mice and we've had to put boards on the floor so we don't sink through it. "We're really appealing for anybody to help us replace it - whether that's a new container or some cash to help us. It would mean a lot to us and those we help," Ms Hudson added. Listen to highlights fromLincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch thelatest episode of Look Northor tell us about a story you think we should be coveringhere.
Fears for baby bank's future after damp and mould
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Grimsby Baby Bank Faces Uncertainty Due to Storage Issues"
Bbc News
7.3
TruthLens AI Summary
A baby bank located at the West Marsh Community Centre in Grimsby has encountered significant challenges due to damp and mould affecting its stored supplies. The organization, which was established in 2022 by a group of concerned volunteers amid the ongoing cost of living crisis, has had to dispose of approximately 80% of its stock, including essential items such as nappies, baby wipes, and milk formula. Leanne Hudson, one of the founders, expressed her deep concern about the future of the initiative, stating that the aging shipping container used for storage has developed leaks and is now unsafe for the supplies intended to assist families in need. The baby bank currently supports around 15 families each week, including those who are working but still struggling to make ends meet. Health visitors and social workers often reach out for emergency assistance, highlighting the vital role the baby bank plays in the community.
The deteriorating condition of the shipping container has raised urgent questions about the sustainability of the baby bank's operations. Hudson noted that the container has not only suffered from mould but also issues with pests, necessitating makeshift repairs to prevent further damage. She has made a public appeal for assistance, urging anyone who can help to contribute either by providing a new storage container or financial support to replace the current one. The situation underscores the broader challenges faced by community organizations that strive to alleviate hardship during difficult economic times. The baby bank's ability to continue its essential services hinges on finding a solution to these pressing storage issues, which could otherwise jeopardize the support offered to struggling families in the area.
TruthLens AI Analysis
You need to be a member to generate the AI analysis for this article.
Log In to Generate AnalysisNot a member yet? Register for free.