Greater Manchester launches UK’s first region-wide ‘Baby Bank’ network to support local families

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Greater Manchester has just launched the UK’s first region-wide network of ‘Baby Banks’.

The new Baby Banks network will bring together community-led support to help families facing financial hardship and crisis.

If you’re unfamiliar with what baby banks are, they provide a crucial service to families who may be facing difficulties financially across our region by providing essential items for babies and young children, such as baby clothes and nappies, as well as providing support and advice for parents as they navigate difficult times.

According to Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), almost 30% of children under five in Greater Manchester are currently growing up in poverty.

Now, for the first time ever, Greater Manchester’s 10 baby banks are being brought together as one network thanks to new funding from GMCA in partnership with local family support charity, Home-Start HOST.

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Holding baby's hand
Holding baby’s hand / Credit: Aditya Romansa (via Unsplash)

As a co-ordinated group, baby banks can now join up their resources, raise awareness of their services, and ultimately increase their capacity to reach more parents in need of support.

GMCA is also asking local residents and businesses to help support the good work of baby banks by volunteering their time, helping sort donations, preparing packs, or providing practical support to families in need. Additionally, businesses can support through corporate donations towards essential baby items or services.

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“We have been clear in Greater Manchester – we want all children and young people here to thrive,” commented Mayor Andy Burnham. “Sadly, we know that some families do face hardship and need help, and that the services they turn to can often feel remote.

“But our communities do come together to help others and can often provide solutions, [and] that’s why we are redefining how to put meaningful, everyday support back at the heart of every neighbourhood, and our new baby bank network is fantastic example of that approach.

“It’s crucial that our voluntary sector has the resources it needs to continue what it does so well.

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“I urge people and businesses to support our baby banks so that they can continue to support families in crisis, because every baby deserves the chance to thrive.”

Featured Image – Mark Pilgrim (via Flickr)

Paul Scholes blasts Ruben Amorim for ‘bull****’ response to Kobbie Mainoo question

Danny Jones Danny Jones Paul Scholes reacts to Amorim's response to Kobbie Mainoo question

Club legend Paul Scholes has called out Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim for what he dubbed a “bull****” reaction to a question from a journalist regarding Kobbie Mainoo on Thursday.

The Portuguese coach saw his Premier League win rate clock in at just under 44% (the lowest of any Man United manager for, let’s just say, some time) after the 1-1 home draw against West Ham.

Conceding a late goal against the Irons, who are currently sat in the relegation zone, the Red Devils ultimately dropped another two points against a side that they should be beating, both based on present form and if they have any hopes of competing for the top spots.

Unsurprisingly, Amorim was pressed on why he didn’t make a more offensive substitution to try and claw back the victory, to which he then asked what looked to be a somewhat loaded question and gave this reaction after the response:

The laughter, in particular, hasn’t gone down well with everyone, especially the Class of ’92 graduate and retired midfielder.

Jumping on social media after the quotes from the Amorim press conference were out, Scholes posted on his Instagram story: Bull****. This kid is being ruined, not being played in a team that can’t control a game of football.”

He went on to add: “Hate seeing homegrown players leave, but it’s probably best for him now – enough is enough.”

First off, Reds – do you agree?

It isn’t the first time Scholes has levelled criticism at Amorim, his tactics, management and overall coaching style, having said this of their previous appointment at Old Trafford.

Safe to say he isn’t his biggest supporter at the moment.

Fellow former teammate and England international turned pundit, Gary Neville, was also left not just confused but frustrated by the performance, telling Sky Sports in his post-match interview that he noted the camera picking up “real dejection” on the faces of the fans after the full-time whistle.

With an away trip against Wolves, a home match against Bournemouth, as well as travelling to face high-flying European place competitors, Aston Villa, before hosting Newcastle on Boxing Day, it’s anyone’s guess as to how the results will pan out.

You can see the highlights from Man United vs West Ham down below.

How many points do you see them picking up over the next four fixtures?

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Featured Images — jmage (via Flickr)/Manchester United/Sky Sports (screenshots via YouTube)

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