Parents struggling to afford winter clothing essentials, charity says

Parents are struggling to afford basic winter essentials such as coats and waterproof shoes, a charity has said.

Little Village, a charity which helps babies and young children living in poverty across London, said nearly three-quarters (71%) of the parents it supports are struggling to afford such items.

The charity said more than half (58%) of the families it supports are also “anxious about the costs of keeping the heating on to keep their homes warm”.

It said its research showed more than one in three parents (39%) it supports were worried about being able to afford cosy beds and warm blankets.

It came as the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, announced £93,000 in funding to support Little Village’s appeal to collect and distribute winter essentials.

Little Village said the funding would allow its sites in Brent, Camden and Tooting to open later on some weekdays and Saturdays.

On Wednesday, Mr Khan visited Little Village’s Camden baby bank to launch its Winter Warmers campaign and meet families supported by the charity.

He said: “It is shocking that in a country as prosperous as ours so many families are going without essentials, and as temperatures start to drop, it will be a challenge for many parents to afford essential winter clothing.

“That’s why Little Village’s Winter Warmers campaign is so important and why I’ve committed funding that will extend the baby banks’ opening hours and help provide more essentials to families across the capital.”

Sophie Livingstone, chief executive of Little Village, said: “For many families we support, the cost of something as vital as a single winter coat can be simply unaffordable.

“When you are living on a tight budget, every penny counts and the cost of living is meaning so many parents are struggling to provide the basics for their children.

“No child should be left out in the cold – with the public’s support, we want to ensure as many babies and children stay warm this winter across London.”

Teesha Thomas, a mother supported by Little Village, said receiving a winter coat and some shoes from the charity was “a lifeline”.

Ms Thomas added: “I was worried sick about how I could afford to keep my kids warm this winter but knowing there are people out there who care and are willing to help made me feel less alone.

“It took such a weight off my shoulders, both emotional and financially, and allowed me to focus on being a mum, rather than stressing over every penny.”

Presenter Kate Lawler, who is a supporter of Little Village, said: “Donations can make a world of difference for families in need, so I encourage everyone to consider what they can give to support the Winter Warmers campaign.”

Little Village supports families with babies and children under five living in poverty across London. It runs a baby bank network, collecting, sorting and passing on pre-owned clothes and equipment.

In 2023, Little Village donated 7,747 coats, thousands of blankets and more than 15,500 pairs of shoes to 8,529 children.