Sudbury baby bank charity Abi's Footprints keen to help families struggling to make ends meet during coronavirus pandemic

Families finding it difficult to make ends meet during the pandemic have been urged to contact a Sudbury baby bank charity.

Gill Soper, from Abi’s Footprints, said the charity welcomes requests for help, and particularly at this difficult time.

She said: “We are seeing families, who were coping well before Covid, now struggling to buy consumables, such as nappies, for their babies.

“Some are struggling to put food on the table; we are very grateful to Storehouse, the local food bank, with whom we liaise.”

She said the charity receives and distributes items following strict Covid safety measures.

“The pandemic can cause particular distress in expectant mums who, because of real financial hardship, may find themselves unable to prepare the practical essentials that their new baby will need,” she said.

“We can ease their anxiety by providing virtually anything the baby will need.

“This means that mums can look forward to the new arrival, knowing that everything is ready and in place. It helps them to focus more fully on the needs of their older children.”

Mrs Soper said some families supported by Abi’s Footprints have found themselves in difficult circumstances, such as moving to emergency, temporary or new accommodation, or dealing with the breakdown of a relationship, job loss or separation from supportive parents and friends.

The charity covers the Sudbury area and can be contacted via its Facebook page, or by going online to www.abisfootprints.co.uk.