Testimonials

Read what families have shared about their experiences coming to Family Matters Baby Bank, how they have felt trust, and peace of mind during some of life’s most important moments. Thank you to Each person for making the time to share their experience it means so much to us—we are truly grateful, and every testimonial is deeply special.

“I was first told about Family matters by a friend back in 2023. I had a 15 month old and had just lost my job after returning from maternity leave.
I was a bit nervous and apprehensive about going as I don’t like asking for help and thought other people were probably more in need.
But I went to have a look. Everyone was very welcoming and passed no judgement.
I was shocked at the amount of things you could take, from nappies, clothes, baby equipment to toys and car seats.
I am forever greatful to Family Matters and all their volunteers. I now have two young children and use the baby bank often.
As and when my children outgrow their clothes and equipment, I donate it back so that it can help another family in need like it has ours. It has really given me faith in our local community and is very humbling being able to give back. Thank you again for everything that you do, it means more than you’ll ever know.”

“I want to thank everyone at Family Matters for their amazing work and support to families like mine.

In brief, my family’s story is one of doing ok financially to times of extreme hardship. After 10 years I got pregnant with my miracle baby and carried to full term. However, I was extremely unwell throughout the pregnancy, needing hospitalisation on a number of occasions. I was just so happy to be pregnant at last though and was self-employed so we lived off our savings. We bought and were gifted all the things we would need and then thinking my one and only miracle was here, we gave all our baby items away and enjoyed our lives.

Fast forward two years, post covid, when we used up more of our savings and I was unbelievably pregnant again. This time money was very tight as I was still self-employed and unable to work again due to extreme sickness. We were very worried how we’d be able to afford all the baby items again as we’d given them all away and we were too embarrassed to tell our families.

We cobbled together things from charity shops and sold things to buy what we needed. Our second daughter was born with many allergies and a range of tummy issues meaning that I was unable to work and 3 years later can only work very part time. Over the first year we sold our 2 cars and ran out of savings. We really understood what it meant to live on the breadline. One very difficult day when both girls were needing new clothes and shoes, a wonderful person from Family Matters came and explained the service. Very shyly and feeling embarrassed and worried about being judged, I went to their service. I was welcomed with such kindness that I cried.

Since then, Family Matters has been a stable in my life from clothing and shoes to wellies and nappies. However, it is the people that give you such warmth and kindness, that give you such self-respect even in times of need.

Honestly, there have been a few weeks when Family Matters has been a lifeline. One week, due to them I didn’t have to make the choice between a warm coat for my daughter and buying food.

Thank you for everything you do to make my life easier in times of hardship. This is a vital service for the families that use it..”

I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for the incredible support my family has received from Family Matters, and to share how truly valuable this service is to people like us.

Due to my ongoing stomach condition, I am currently on a low income. When my daughter fell pregnant, we suddenly found ourselves needing many essential items for the baby and for the home — things I simply could not afford. It was a very worrying and overwhelming time for us.

When we came to Family Matters, we were met with kindness, understanding, and generosity beyond anything we expected. You provided us with everything we needed — a baby rocker, baby bath, clothes, toys, bedding, and many other essentials. My daughter was also given sanitary products and personal items she needed. At no point were we made to feel uncomfortable or judged. The fact that everything is provided through donations, makes the generosity even more remarkable.

Every time we visit, we are welcomed by a friendly and caring group of people. It is more than just a place to collect items — it is a real community hub filled with warmth and compassion. You always come out feeling happier than when you went in. The support is not only practical but emotional too.

We even brought my mum along on one visit, and she was able to meet people and see firsthand the kindness and sense of community that Family Matters creates. It truly is a small hub of generosity and goodwill that makes a big difference in people’s lives.

I understand that funding is currently a challenge, and I sincerely hope this letter helps in some small way. Services like Family Matters are absolutely vital for families facing hardship. Without your support, we would have struggled far more than we did.

Thank you for everything you do for our community. You have made a real and lasting difference to our family, and we will always be grateful.

Supported by Refresh the Church of Weymouth & Portland In Action