Sadiq Khan has urged Londoners to donate preloved coats, shoes and blankets to their local baby bank as winter approaches.
The mayor on Wednesday threw his support behind the Winter Warmers campaign run by the charity Little Village, a network of baby banks operating across the capital.
As part of the campaign’s launch, Mr Khan has announced £93,000 in City Hall funding towards it, which will allow Little Village hubs to stay open for a longer set of hours.
The charity’s appeal is specifically calling for donations of pre-loved coats (0-6 years sizes), pram suits, boots, shoes and blankets, so that Little Village can pass them on to families in need. Between October 2023 and February 2024, the charity supported over 2,600 children.
Mr Khan said: “It is shocking that in a country as prosperous as ours so many families are going without essentials, and as temperatures start to drop, it will be a challenge for many parents to afford essential winter clothing.
“That’s why Little Village’s Winter Warmers campaign is so important and why I’ve committed funding that will extend the baby banks’ opening hours and help provide more essentials to families across the capital.
“As mayor, I will continue to do all I can to stand up for Londoners as cost-of-living pressures persist, building a better and fairer London for everyone.”
According to a report last year by the Childhood Trust, 800,000 children in London live in poverty, after housing costs have been accounted for.
Little Village said that over half (58 per cent) of the families they support say are anxious about the costs of keeping the heating on to keep their homes warm. More than one in three (39 per cent) are worried about being able to afford cosy beds and warm blankets. Nearly three quarters (71 per cent) are struggling to afford basic winter essentials like coats and waterproof shoes.
In 2023, the charity donated 7,747 coats, thousands of blankets and over 15,500 pairs of shoes to 8,529 children, and it has already supported 5,165 children so far this year.
“Receiving a winter coat and some shoes from Little Village was more than just getting a piece of clothing for my child; it was a lifeline," said Teesha Thomas, a mother supported by the charity.
“I was worried sick about how I could afford to keep my kids warm this winter, but knowing there are people out there who care and are willing to help made me feel less alone. It took such a weight off my shoulders, both emotional and financially, and allowed me to focus on being a mum, rather than stressing over every penny.”
Sophie Livingstone MBE, chief executive of Little Village, said: “For many families we support, the cost of something as vital as a single winter coat can be simply unaffordable.
“When you are living on a tight budget, every penny counts and the cost of living means so many parents are struggling to provide the basics for their children. No child should be left out in the cold – with the public’s support, we want to ensure as many babies and children stay warm this winter across London.”
Donations can be made at Little Village baby banks in Camden, Tooting, Wembley or Wandsworth, as well as various drop off points across London. For more information about the Winter Warmers campaign, visit: littlevillagehq.org
