Children's charity hub in Chelmsford sees record number of parents

Craig Weatherly and his daughter Fern at Growbaby

Parents struggling with inflation say turning to a charity hub to get free baby food and supplies "takes the edge" off their cost of living problems.

Growbaby staff in Chelmsford said they were experiencing a record number of parents turning to the hub.

Just under 60 parents were recorded as having used it in one morning recently.

A single dad said he could now eat a meal with his toddler at the dining table after picking up a free high chair.

Craig Weatherly is a full-time father to his daughter Fern and said he would be able to go back to work when his daughter starts nursery.

"Places like Growbaby have really helped," he said.

"There are a lot of clothes; I've been able to get some nice stuff for her and there's stuff like nappies, and when she was a lot younger there was stuff like milk.

"I've also had a high chair, which she loves and we can sit at the dining table and eat together now."

Despite being nervous about using the services, he said: "As soon as I got here it was so warm and welcoming."

Pippa McLean Coordinator of Growbaby in Chelmsford

Growbaby provides clothing and other support for parents with babies and children up to 11 years old, and the Chelmsford hub on Moulsham Street is open on Wednesday mornings, and one Saturday morning a month.

Pippa McLean, its co-ordinator, said inflation had squeezed parents' budgets.

Lisa Bartram started using Growbaby when she was pregnant with her third child

Lisa Bartram said she started using the hub to meet other parents when she was pregnant with her third child a year ago.

"I needed to talk to adults and I needed a support system - just to have some sort of support network," she said.

"It is hard because you have to think about how you are going to do things on your own.

"Sometimes you can get nappies, wipes and all the essentials that you need.

"It takes the edge of it. I'm going to be able to get some stuff from Grow Baby so I don't need to worry too much.

"You're feeling the pinch and it's completely different."