Demand for Bedford baby bank growing faster than donations

Faces BabyBank said demand is rising faster than donations, with the number of families supported nearly doubling from 2024 to 2025.

• The charity started in January 2023; it supported about 1,100 families in its first year and 2,098 families in 2025.
• In 2025, Faces BabyBank distributed 36,400 items of children's clothing and 54,080 nappies, among other essentials.
• Chief executive Michaela Martindale said many families are returning for help multiple times because they are not recovering financially.
• Martindale said parents face impossible choices between paying rent, heating homes, or buying baby essentials.