A BABY bank has revealed demand for its service has risen by 80 per cent in the past three years as families find themselves "struggling" with the rocketing cost of living.
Trinity Church, based on the Somerton Road in north Belfast, opened its Blossoms baby bank service in 2019.
Initially, the idea was to help provide new mothers and families by providing a hamper of baby essentials including nappies and baby grows.
New mothers also receive a bag of essentials including maternity pads, deodorant and other toiletries.
However it has now found itself having to branch out as families face the dilemma of "heat or eat".
Run on donations and manned by a team of volunteers, the service received a "steady stream" of people in need through both referrals from community services and walk-ins.
Volunteer Cherryl Graham said however as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and the rising cost-of-living, the service has found itself more in demand than ever.
"We moved to the Somerton Road at the end of August, during the pandemic and we've seen the need increase," she said.
"I would put that down to the fuel poverty, and food poverty is a major thing, it is heat or eat.
"I have seen mums going without gas and it is freezing. I have mums going without food so their children can eat.
"We do still supply the baby hampers and parcels but are turning to supporting the mums at the moment. We have just finished a slow cooker course.
"We bought slow cookers for the Blossom mums and bought them the basic ingredients".
Mrs Graham from Carrickfergus said there are "more and more people" including refugees, turning to the service for help.
"We have got referrals into May," she said.
However she believes new mothers should come along where they will be welcomed with open arms.
"I believe we are making a difference one family at a time.
"We don't care who you are, what faith you are, what colour you are. We will help you if you come in. There is no judgment here."
Mrs Graham said any donations to the service were welcome.
"We really need things for our mummy bags. We are also down to our last box of baby wipes," she said.
"It is heartbreaking for today's society that people are living like this."
Further information is available on the Blossoms Belfast Facebook page
