Church's new initiative looks to support local families while reducing waste

A free community resource for families has opened at Bethel Baptist Church on Calamine Street, Macclesfield.

The Bethel Family Library allows people to donate, share and take items for babies, children and teenagers. Items include toys, clothing, books, prams and cots.

All items are free, and no referral or eligibility check is required. Visitors can look around and take what they need, whether to save money, reduce waste or reuse items that are still in good condition.

Sarah Newsham, the project lead and coordinator, said the library was created to support families while preventing usable children’s items from being thrown away.

“As a parent myself, I know just how quickly children grow out of clothes, toys and equipment, often when they're still in fantastic condition,” she said.

The initiative officially opened on Monday, 5 October. It is independent from the original Macclesfield Baby Library, which relocated to the Old Millstone earlier this year, although many of the same volunteers are involved.

Ms Newsham said the first week had been positive, with visitors commenting on the welcoming hall, its organisation and the ease of finding items.

She added that the team wanted to create a comfortable place where people could access support without feeling embarrassed.

Alongside the library, the volunteers run Bethel Bunnies, a SEN-friendly baby and toddler group. It takes place on Mondays during term time from 1pm to 3pm.

The team is also working with the Salvation Army on a Christmas appeal. Toys and gifts are being collected to create hampers for families who may otherwise struggle during the festive period.

Further information about opening times, donations, available items and upcoming events is available through the Bethel Family Library Facebook group.

Open article on Cheshire Today