More and more people across the North East are finding it difficult to make ends meet as prices of food, fuel and electricity skyrocket.
Whilst most people are aware of the existence of foodbanks, which can provide emergency food parcels to those finding it difficult or impossible to get enough to eat, there's other support available in the region which might be less well-known.
Particularly for parents of growing children, buying clothes can add significant pressure to already tightly-stretched budgets. Clothing and school uniform banks make it possible to keep kids in properly-fitting clothes without having to fork out for new outfits, while baby banks provide extra equipment such as Moses baskets alongside food to new parents.
Here are just some of the charities and community groups in the region offering free help to those who need it.
County Durham Community Clothing Bank
Located in Framwellgate Moor, Durham, this community clothing bank provides parcels of clothes for all ages, as well as toiletries and some food.
People can collect one bag of clothing per person and one bag of toiletries per family, with food parcels and toiletry bags available once a month. The parcels are free, with no referrals needed and 'no questions asked'.
Find out more on their Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/Durhamcommunityclothingbank/
St John's Baby Bank, Percy Main
Many new parents can be overwhelmed by the costs associated with having a baby, and this North Tyneside-based baby bank is there to help.
The bank provides basic essentials for babies up to 18-months-old such as nappies, wipes, clothing, toiletries and baby formula. Baby bundles, including a Moses basket, are also given to parents in need.
St John’s Church in Percy Main, where the bank is based, works with organisations including social services, midwives and the police for referrals, and people in need can also get in touch with them.
There's more information on their Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/StJohnsBabyBank/
Do you know of a project that's helping people who are struggling in the North East? Tell us all about it in the comments.
Kids' Clothes Bank, Gateshead
Based in the Kings Church, in Gateshead, this children's clothing bank acts like a free shop for any parents struggling to buy new clothes for their kids. Outfits are available for newborns up to teenagers, including shoes and coats and some school uniforms.
The bank also offers baby bundles to expectant mothers which including essentials such as Moses baskets, baby baths, clothes, nappies and toiletries.
No referrals are necessary, although anyone wanting to pick up clothes has to complete a short application form.
Opening hours and more details are available on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/kidsclothesbank.gateshead
Clothe and Feed
Clothe and Feed run what's said to be the North East's largest baby bank, helping struggling mums and vulnerable children with vital baby equipment.
They also help parents with things like clothes, toiletries, school uniforms and refurbished white goods, as well as food parcels.
They operate from:
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73-75 High Street West, Wallsend, NE28 8H
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Raby Street (opposite Savers) NE6 2DN
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Unit 1, Gosforth Business Park, NE12 8EG
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Unit 3, Union Street, Sunderland SR1 3BT
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Beacon Centre, Bedford Street North Shields NE29 6QF
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96-98 King St, South Shields, NE33 1JE
More information and contact details on their website, https://clotheandfeed.org.uk/
Vinnie’s Support at St Vincent’s Centre Newcastle
As well as offering food parcels, volunteers at the Newbridge Street community centre run a Clothing Support Service on Thursdays 12pm to 3pm. You can arrange an appointment where a volunteer will help you collect free clothing, household items, toiletries and toys.
Find out more at: https://www.svp.org.uk/request-help
Lemington Clothes Bar
Based at Lemington Methodist Church, which is also an emergency food parcel collection point for Newcastle West End Food Bank, the Clothes Bar offers free clothing, shoes and school uniform for children 0 to 12 years living in the West of Newcastle.
More information at: https://www.facebook.com/theclothesbarlemington/
Community School Clothing Scheme
Supporting parents who are struggling to afford new uniform for their children, the Community School Clothing Scheme has hubs across the North East and collects generic and specific school clothing at its base in Cobalt Business Park, North Tyneside.
They also provide school coats, PE kits, after school including dance and gymnastics uniforms, items for babies, and free prom dress hire.
Find out how to access their support at https://www.communityschoolclothingscheme.org/about
Love, Amelia, Sunderland and South Tyneside
Love, Amelia is a children’s charity offering support to families experiencing poverty and hardship across Sunderland and South Tyneside. They accept donations of children baby items and gift them to families who need them most, supporting people up to the age of 16.
The charity operates on a referral basis to ensure it helps those most in need, meaning those who want to access their support need to ask a professional they're working with to make a referral. This could be a midwife, health visitor, social worker, nursery, support worker or similar professional.
Find out more at https://loveamelia.org.uk/referrals/
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