Little Stars, is a dedicated Shropshire charity, supporting vulnerable families and children by providing essential pre-loved and new items for all childhood essentials through our baby bank, tots to teen support, and school uniform bank. Partnering with professionals, we aid those facing economic hardship, neglect, abuse, or refugee status. Since 2020, we have helped 4997 beneficiaries and in 2023, our service saved families an average of £136, easing financial strain, reducing parental stress, and fostering healthier family environments in a county where 30,000 children live in poverty with a staggering 72% of those children being from working families. *End of poverty coalition data.
The essential items we provide are crucial to babies and children safety, growth and development and have a significant positive impact on their daily quality of life. Without a bed and suitable mattress, their health is at risk due to not having an appropriate sleeping environment. Children starting to crawl and walk become more susceptible to injury if there are unguarded stairs in the home, it is therefore vital to reduce this risk by using stairgates. By easing the burden of providing for their children, parents are indirect beneficiaries as they can more effectively manage day-to-day expenses, thereby mitigating the risk of debt accumulation. This reduction in financial pressure translates to decreased stress and anxiety, which positively impacts their mental health and overall wellbeing helping to create a positive home environment.
Our service provides a vital lifeline for vulnerable families in Shropshire, particularly those residing in areas of significant deprivation.
High Levels of Deprivation: Harlescott, Monkmoor, and Ludlow East are among the 10% most deprived neighborhoods in the entire country. 17% of areas in Telford and Wrekin fall within the 10% most deprived areas nationally, and 21% of children in Telford and Wrekin live in income deprived families. Moreover, a substantial portion of Shropshire falls within the bottom 20-30% of the most deprived areas nationally, according to the 2019 Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) data from the UK Government.
Child Poverty Crisis: Research from End Child Poverty reveals that over 30% of children in Shropshire live in poverty, with a staggering 72% of these children coming from working families. This stark reality underscores the devastating impact of the cost-of-living crisis on working households.
By providing essential items such as bedding, safety equipment, toiletries, age and weather appropriate clothing, we directly contribute to the health, safety, and well-being of children and pregnant women.
Our referral service campaigns:
