FAMILIES across Ross-on-Wye are being encouraged to give unwanted children's belongings a new lease of life through a free seven-day challenge aimed at reducing waste and helping other parents.

The Outgrown, Not Wasted campaign has been launched by Kidora, offering families a practical way to sort through clothes, toys, books, shoes and equipment their children have outgrown.

Created by mum-of-two Karolina Gudes, the initiative encourages parents to tackle one manageable area each day, rather than attempting a major clear-out all at once.

Every item can be kept, passed on to another family, donated, responsibly recycled or sold, ensuring useful belongings are not unnecessarily thrown away.

With Christmas approaching, organisers hope the challenge will help households create space for new presents while rediscovering forgotten possessions and supporting families who could benefit from second-hand items.

Karolina said the idea came from her own experience of accumulating bags and boxes of children's belongings that were still perfectly usable but no longer needed.

The campaign follows the recent opening of a Forest of Dean Baby Bank hub at the Ark Cafe in Newent, where local parents can donate good-quality children's essentials and families can access support.

Both initiatives aim to encourage communities to make better use of belongings that children quickly outgrow.

Kidora has also produced a free seven-day family checklist alongside posters, graphics and resources that schools, nurseries, parent-teacher associations and community organisations can share.

The challenge requires no registration or payment, making it accessible to families looking for a straightforward way to organise their homes.

The campaign has already attracted coverage from several regional publications and parenting outlets.

Families interested in taking part can access the challenge, download the checklist and find further information at kidora.uk/outgrown.