Over 700,000 children live in poverty in London - 43% of all children in inner London, and 34% in outer London. This rises to 53% of children in some boroughs, notably those boroughs with a high proportion of BAME families who are more likely to be low paid. Those families with a disabled child also face a higher level of poverty. The impact of this level of poverty affects children directly, and indirectly through the impact on parents.
Little Village redistributes clothes, toys and equipment for babies and children up to the age of five. The charity accepts donations of pre-loved items in excellent condition which are passed on to families who need support. The items are a gift, given with love, from one family to another.
Little Village operates out of five hubs in London (Camden, Wandsworth, Southwark, Brent and Roehampton). Some mirror a retail experience while others invite families to visit by appointment. Families are referred to Little Village by a network of 1,825 professionals from 500+ organisations such as midwives, social workers, and children’s centres. In 2021, the charity received 4,500 referrals.
Once referred to the charity, families either have their kit delivered or visit a hub, where volunteers help them choose items such as high-quality clothes, toys, buggies, beds and more. Families are able to return every three months as their needs evolve and are encouraged to donate back to Little Village items they have finished using.
The Firefly Project will support plans to grow their reach from 4,500 referrals per year to over 14,000 referrals by 2024.
