The Nest Project, a Bath-based charity supporting families experiencing financial hardship, is appealing for help from across the region. The Nest Project provides free clothing, equipment and essentials for 0-5 year olds, and support for parents-to-be so that they are prepared for their new arrival.
“We currently support 50-100 children a month, and work alongside professionals across the city who are supporting some of the most vulnerable families,” explained Vix Blythe, CEO.
“Sadly a third of of children under the age of 5 are living in poverty in the South West. We want to give children the best start in life possible by making sure they have all the essentials they need to thrive. We want to reduce the financial pressure of providing for growing children that many parents in BANES face.”
Considering how the charity is able to help local families, a Bath social worker explained, “We are working with a family who have four children who are sleeping on a make-shift bed on the floor in the lounge, including the baby. We were worried for the safety of the baby and The Nest Project has been able to provide a cot for the baby and clean bedding for the other children.”
How to donate
“We rely on the kindness of other families to donate second hand and new items to us, so that we can pass these on to families in need, added Vix. “We also love that by doing this we are reusing and recycling items within our community.”
All items must be from a smoke free home, and be clean and in good working order.
- Stair gates and cots have all the bolts and screws in a bag attached to the frame.
- Breast pumps to be manual or electric closed systems, with all parts included and where possible an original manual.
- Bottles to all have lids, used teats removed and ensure bottles are not heavily stained.
- Books to have no rips, stains or torn pages.
- Please make sure prams and buggies are clean with no mould (remove any items from the basket) and have all attachments, new born accessories, bassinet, rain covers etc, together and ready to use.
The Nest Project regularly update its Facebook @thenestprojectbath and Instagram @the_nest_project/, with the items they are looking for.
For more information about the donations that can be donated and where you can drop them off, click here.
How to get support
If you are experiencing financial difficulty and you live in BANES, it is free to access The Nest Project, which offers a friendly and non-judgemental service.
You can request items for your 0-5 year olds by booking a collection or delivery slot.
See here for how to book a slot by clicking here.
Expecting a baby?
If you are expecting a baby and are over 12 weeks pregnant, you can book an in-person consultation, where the team from The Nest Project will chat through everything you might need over a cuppa and then help you choose items from our store.
“The Nest Project has given me literally everything I needed (for my daughter)… they make you feel that no matter what situation you are in, they will help you.” commented one mum
Another mum said, “I would like to thank you for everything you have done for my child… Everything is wonderful… I appreciate the kind people who help and make those in need happy.”
