A NEW baby bank in Newent is helping families cut the cost of raising young children, with organisers stressing that its support is available to everyone.

The Forest of Dean Baby Bank has opened a hub at The Ark Cafe in Newent, offering parents and carers free clothing, nappies, wipes, toys, breast pumps and other essentials.

Larger pieces of equipment, including cots, can also be sourced through the organisation’s warehouse in Cinderford.

Lead volunteer Helen Carter said families visiting the service would not be means tested, with the baby bank designed to help anyone who could benefit from reducing the everyday costs of looking after children.

Many of the products have been donated by local families, and parents are also encouraged to bring along good quality items their children have outgrown while collecting things they now need.

Helen said the team was “really, really grateful” for the donations it had received.

Autumn clothing bundles are currently among the items most in demand, while volunteers are already preparing for Christmas by putting together a collection of festive clothes, shoes and blankets.

Helen said some parents may not consider themselves to be struggling but could still benefit from using the service, freeing up money for other family activities and expenses.

Newent mum Kylie, who recently visited the baby bank for the first time, said the rising cost of clothing, nappies, wipes and food made having support nearby particularly valuable.

Volunteer Isabel has also experienced the importance of community support herself, having previously received food parcels and clothing.

She said having three young children had shown her the level of need locally and hoped more families would discover what the baby bank could offer.

The Newent hub is open at The Ark Cafe every Tuesday from 9.30am until 11.30am, with families able to visit without being means tested.