

Resources for Families Facing Challenges
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Here at Hackney Children & Baby Bank, we know that sometimes families need more than just baby essentials. Struggling financially or emotionally can take a toll, but there are resources available to help.
Here's a list of some helpful organisations and websites that can offer additional support:

Pregnancy Assistance:
Birth Companions: If you have no one to support you through your pregnancy and/or birth, you can ask your midwife to contact Birth Companions.
https://www.birthcompanions.org.uk
Happy Baby Community: If you are an asylum seeker or refugee looking for support with pregnancy and/or early parenthood, you can contact Happy Baby Community.
https://www.happybabycommunity.org.uk
Doctors of the World: If you are undocumented and have no access to medical treatment or maternity care, you can contact Doctors of the World.

Financial Assistance:
Little Village: Provides resources on managing your finances during the cost-of-living crisis.
Young Planet: Just like a baby bank, people give away second hand baby items for free
Citizens Advice: Offers free, confidential advice on debt, benefits, housing, and other legal matters.
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/
Freecycle: Second hand items being given away for free
Turn2us: Helps people find and apply for benefits, including those impacted by Coronavirus.
https://www.turn2us.org.uk/get-support
Family Fund: Provides financial grants to families on low incomes with children facing additional needs.
Money Helper: Offers free, impartial advice on managing your money, including budgeting, debt and saving.
https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en
StepChange Debt Charity: Provides free help and advice on managing debt.
The Food Aid Network Cash First Scheme: Offers emergency cash grants to help families facing food poverty.
https://www.foodaidnetwork.org.uk/cash-first-leaflets#7
Trussell Trust: Helps people find their nearest food bank if they're struggling to afford food.
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Housing and Advocacy:
Shelter: Offers help with housing problems, including homelessness, eviction, and bad housing conditions.
https://england.shelter.org.uk/get_help
Refuge: Provides support and safe accommodation for women and children experiencing domestic violence or abuse.
https://www.refuge.org.uk/get-help-now
Women's Trust: Supports women affected by domestic violence and sexual violence.
Unity Project: Provides support and services to tackle poverty and social exclusion in London.

Mental & Emotional Wellbeing
Childline: Offers free, confidential support for children and young people facing any issue.
https://www.childline.org.uk/get-support
NHS - Free Workouts & Healthy Living: Includes information on free exercise routines and healthy living tips.
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/gym-free-workouts
NHS Change4Life: Provides advice and resources to help families live healthier lives.
https://www.nhs.uk/change4life
Mind: Offers information and support for mental health.
Project 17: Offers support to young people in care and care leavers.