KidsBank Chester – offering a helping hand

Back in 2018, Cathy Pettingale was watching a television interview of a young mother. The young mother talked about being forced to decide whether she should spend her remaining money on food so her children could eat, or heating so her children could keep warm. Overwhelmed with compassion, Cathy was compelled to do something to help families experiencing similar circumstances within her community – that’s when KidsBank Chester was formed, taking the first referral in May 2019.

KidsBank offers support to families with children aged between 0-12 years. Support can be accessed through:

Self-Referral – a family can self-refer for clothing (including school uniform), toiletries and nappies by simply filling in a form on the KidsBank website.
Refer Yourself – Kids Bank (kidsbankchester.com)

Professional Referral – a professional, such as a midwife, health visitor, social worker or other front-line professional can complete a form with the family. The referral can be for clothing, toiletries, nappies, as well as other equipment such as feeding equipment, bedding, changing mats, prams, and safety gates. A professional referral form is available on the KidsBank website.
Professional referral – Kids Bank (kidsbankchester.com)

KidsBank collects new and pre-loved items for babies and children - clothes, equipment, school uniform, toys and toiletries. We distribute these items to struggling families across Cheshire and Flintshire.

A team of 30 dedicated volunteers manage the day-to-day processing of donations, preparation of referrals, and deliveries.

KidsBank’s mission is to alleviate the impact of childhood poverty by providing practical help as quickly as possible. Cathy’s hope is that the children KidsBank help will not have to go without essentials and that parents know there is support available from people who care.

Over 151,000 items have been gifted to KidsBank families since it was setup.