A Year of Supporting Children and Families: Little Stars Impact 2025
At Little Stars, every day is about providing practical support to families by ensuring no baby or child goes without the essentials they need to thrive. In 2025, the demand for our support grew by 11%, and our team, volunteers, and community stepped up to meet that need.
Children and Families Supported
Over the year, Little Stars supported 1,553 children and 48 pregnant women, delivering 14,776 essential items across all our services, including Baby Bank, Tots to Teens, Cool for School, and Santa’s Little Stars.
In 2025 alone, we provided 215 nappy bundles and 356 toiletry packs for children and adults. Each nappy bundle includes 2–6 packs of nappies depending on the size, nappy cream, and baby wipes. Toiletry packs include items such as toothpaste and brushes, deodorant, shampoo, shower gel, baby wash, baby bath, sanitary items, maternity pads, breast pads, and nipple cream for pregnant women.
From newborns receiving their very first essentials to school-aged children needing non-branded uniform items, educational resources, or Christmas gifts, Little Stars was there every step of the way. Across the year we responded to both urgent needs and planned support. Every referral, bundle, and pop-up event helped children thrive and ensured families felt supported during challenging times.
Stories That Show the Difference
Behind every bundle is a family facing a difficult moment, and support that arrives when it’s needed most. Throughout 2025, we received referrals from 124 referral partners often for families under significant financial or emotional pressure.
One social worker shared the impact of a delivery made to a family they support:
“Firstly, I would like to say a huge thank you for the parcel I have just taken out to a family I work with. The little boy was straight into the bags and very excited about the items he had been provided with. The dinosaur top was a firm favourite. It will really make a huge difference to this family. He was over the moon, as was mum.”
We also heard from parents directly, many of whom are struggling with rising living costs while trying to meet their child’s basic needs:
“Really grateful for support, as I am struggling to pay all my bills and provide for my child.”
Referrals from health professionals often highlight how essential timely support can be. One perinatal team contacted us about a family experiencing financial difficulties during pregnancy:
“Due to a change in maternity payment from work and additional unexpected debts, financial difficulties meant the family were unable to purchase a cot. Baby had nearly outgrown their next-to-me cot, impacting sleep for both mum and baby. Little Stars’ support made a significant difference at a crucial time.”
Collective Effort, Real Impact
This work wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of our supporters, volunteers, and referral partners. Every donation, volunteer hour, and item shared has helped Little Stars meet increasing demand and create lasting positive change for local families.
Thank You for Making a Difference
As we reflect on 2025, we are filled with gratitude for every act of kindness. Together, we’ve ensured children and families across Shropshire have the essentials they need to feel safe, confident, and cared for.
