The situation
Real talk: the vibes are off for families in Leeds right now. Chantal Nogbou, the founder of Leeds Baby Bank, is sounding the alarm as her charity faces an urgent need for donations. Since June, the organization has supported an "unprecedented" 550 families, and the plot thickens as we head into winter.
The numbers game
It’s giving a major cost-of-living crisis. Nogbou points out that the reality for local families is grim: in some parts of Leeds, one in two children is living in poverty. What’s lowkey shocking is that 70% of the families getting support actually have a working parent. Inflation in energy and fuel is essentially eating their paychecks, making it impossible to cover basics like diapers, prams, and food.
Why it matters
If you’re looking to make your money move for a good cause, small amounts are goated here. Nogbou says a simple £5 monthly direct debit—the price of one coffee—is enough to fund a brand-new mattress for a Moses basket. The charity is also facing higher overheads after moving to a larger space in Armley to scale their operations, so every dollar or pound counts. If you’re in a position to help, skipping a latte to support a local family is a massive W.
