A NEW community project is aiming to help Clydebank families meet some of the needs of young babies.

West Dunbartonshire Community Foodshare launched its “baby bank” as the latest initiative to help the community alongside their busy foodbank and school uniform bank.

The board had already been considering the idea thanks to donations from the public and concerns from residents about the costs facing young families.

When mum Shelby McDermott approached them about a baby bank, it was the perfect timing for a volunteer to run the project.

Shelby said she had seen a documentary on poverty in Glasgow and a similar support programme in the city’s east end prompted her to get in touch.

She said: “I thought it was something we needed in West Dunbartonshire. I have two kids and I know the financial struggle.

“I was lucky to have family support.”

Clair Coyle, trustee with the charity, said it was ideal when Shelby approached them.

“The last year there has been an increase in young mothers coming in looking for support with food,” said Clair. “We know that need is there.”

Shelby added: “If they cannot afford to buy food every week, I’m not sure how they can afford to buy expensive items such as prams.”

Clair continued: “It’s clear levels of poverty are rising in West Dunbartonshire and we don’t know when that’s going to get better.”

Read more: Hundreds more Clydebank families need summer support

Many of the families most in need of support are working, but still failing to cover the expenses of food, school uniforms and baby clothing and supplies.

The baby bank will accept donations of new or pre-loved items aged for babies and toddlers up to age four.

Items can include prams, cots, cribs, moses baskets, sterilisers and monitors, clothes and shoes, highchairs and seats, nappies, wipes and toiletries.

But they cannot accept toys or cuddly toys because of health and safety. Soiled mattresses or those missing fire retardant labels also can’t be accepted.

Car seats can’t be donated in case they have been involved in any accident.

The charity currently has around 90 volunteers as they continue to do more to help West Dunbartonshire’s neediest.

The baby bank is open to anyone, despite more stringent criteria for their other services.

Donations can be dropped off by prior arrangement on 01389 764135. Requests can be made through Shelby on the same number or by emailing babybank@wdcf.co.uk.