A charity in Lostock Hall, Lancashire, dedicated to assisting financially struggling families with young children, is experiencing an unprecedented surge in demand for its services. Tippy Toes, often described as โa food bank with baby items,โ provides essential supplies to families with children aged birth to four years old, including prams, nappies, and formula.
Increasing Demand for Assistance
Sian Haddon, the manager of Tippy Toes, reported a significant increase in referrals, stating, โWeek on week the referrals are coming in thick and fast, and weโre at the point where the demand on our service unfortunately is more than we can meet.โ This growing strain on resources comes amid an ongoing cost-of-living crisis in the UK, where many families are struggling to afford basic necessities.
Haddon noted that community donations play a vital role in Tippy Toesโ operations. โWe rely on the community for donations; people bring us their pre-loved baby items or are kind enough to purchase essential items like formula, nappies, and wipes,โ she explained. However, the charity is now finding it increasingly challenging to meet the heightened demand.
Cost-of-Living Crisis Exacerbating Struggles
Haddon highlighted the impact of rising costs on families, stressing that the burden of buying essential items has become increasingly untenable. โWith summer pending, people know they may need to buy school uniforms for older children. The cost of living is absolutely horrendous for everyone at the moment,โ she said. โEven doing a weekly food shop is getting more expensive, and adding a ยฃ15 tin of formula is just unattainable for many.โ
In addition to aiding families with young children, Tippy Toes also supports expectant parents facing financial difficulties. โFor them, we provide a full kit, which can include a pram, a Moses basket with a brand new mattress, toiletries, and a bag of baby clothesโessentially everything you would need for a newborn, provided as a bundle,โ Haddon said.
Lancashire Charity Foundation and Ongoing Challenges
Founded in 2019, Tippy Toes operates out of the South Ribble Family Wellbeing Centre on Wilkinson Street. The charityโs mission involves not only providing crucial resources but also navigating the competitive landscape for funding, which has become increasingly challenging. โThere are so many charities out there trying to secure funding, leading to a lot of competition for resources,โ Haddon remarked. โOur shelves are empty week on week.โ
The rise in requests for assistance underscores a concerning financial landscape for many families in the region. As Tippy Toes faces increasing demand against a backdrop of limited resources, the charityโs ability to sustain its operations and meet community needs remains a pressing concern.
Looking Ahead
As the cost-of-living crisis persists, Tippy Toes is calling for greater community support and donations to help alleviate the strain on families in need. Haddon emphasized the importance of collective effort: โEvery little contribution helps, and we are grateful for the continued support from our community.โ With summer approaching and more families expected to reach out for assistance, the Lancashire charity challenges and the urgent need for support remain pivotal issues within the community.
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