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 / 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.
“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)
News
Public urged to call the police if they see this wanted man
Daisy Jackson
Cheshire Police are appealing for the public’s help in tracing a wanted man with links to Macclesfield and Alsager.
Joshua Wyatt, 34, is wanted on recall to prison, and officers are urging anyone who has seen him or knows of his whereabouts to come forward.
Wyatt is described as being 183cm (6ft) tall and of medium build, with a bald head and blue eyes.
Police believe he has links to both Macclesfield and Alsager.
Anyone who sees Wyatt or has information about where he may be is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101 or report information via the force’s website.
Information should be provided quoting reference number 26000809013.
Huge shuttle bus effort laid on to get Manchester United fans to Old Trafford amid tram disruption
Daisy Jackson
Transport for Greater Manchester has announced a shuttle bus scheme to help Manchester United fans get to Old Trafford this week, amid major tram disruption.
Fans won’t be able to use trams to get to the ground as usual, due to huge improvement works which are in place until Monday 2 November.
There’ll be no trams at all on the Altrincham, Trafford Park, and Eccles lines, with Airport and East Didsbury trams only going as far as Firswood.
That means that fans heading to Manchester United’s home game against Bournemouth would have been a little stuck without this newly-announced shuttle bus service.
Frequent dedicated shuttle buses will run running Piccadilly Gardens, Altrincham Interchange and the Trafford Centre, taking fans directly to Old Trafford before the game.
Frequencies range from five to 20 minutes depending on the route and time, with details available online. Return services will be in place after the final whistle.
TfGM staff will be at key stops and interchanges throughout the day to help fans get to the match and provide travel advice.
Huge shuttle bus effort laid on to get Manchester United fans to Old Trafford amid tram disruption. Credit: TfGM
Ian Davies, TfGM’s Network Director for Metrolink, said: “There is no good time to disrupt passengers to carry out these works, and this is the first time in over a decade that trams won’t serve Old Trafford on a match day, but these works are essential and will enable us to provide a better service in future. I am very sorry to fans who face disruption.
“We’ve put a range of alternative travel options in place, including dedicated shuttle buses, bolstered Bee Network bus services, rail options and ticket acceptance arrangements will help fans get to and from the game.
“Journey options will be different from usual, so we would encourage supporters to plan ahead, check their route and our website before they travel and leave plenty of time to get to and from the stadium.”
TfGM is advising supporters to leave around an hour earlier to help make sure they arrive in time for kick-off.
Emily Sergeant -
5th December 2025 
