We’re excited to share that Charlton Toy Library has been shortlisted for funding from the Greenwich Neighbourhood Growth Fund – and we need your help.
We’re asking all our members, volunteers and supporters to take a moment to vote for us before Sunday 8 February. Your vote could help us launch a much-needed new service for local families at the very start of their parenting journey.
About the Butterfly Baby Bank
Many families in Greenwich are struggling to afford the most basic baby essentials – nappies, warm clothing, prams and cots. These costs quickly add up, and for families already facing poverty, poor housing or trauma, they can be overwhelming.
The Butterfly Baby Bank will help us provide these items – safely and with dignity – to families who need them most. Working alongside our Outreach Service, we’ll distribute donated items, build a simple digital system to manage stock, and offer collection or delivery based on each family’s needs.
We plan to base the service at Langhorne House, alongside our toy library, stay-and-play sessions and outreach support – providing wraparound help all under one roof.
A personal connection
This idea was first put forward by our Outreach Worker, Sharon, who has supported families in Greenwich for over a decade. Having always gone the extra mile to get essentials to those who need them, she saw an opportunity for Charlton Toy Library to do even more with the space and relationships we already have.
The name Butterfly Baby Bank holds a special meaning for Sharon, whose son Ben tragically died from cancer in 2022. The butterfly has come to symbolise Ben’s memory – a beautiful, kind-hearted boy who believed that everyone deserved a chance in life and would often join Sharon on her outreach visits to support families. This project is a tribute to Ben’s generous spirit, and the values of kindness and support that are at the heart of our work.
Why we need your vote
We’ve applied for £17,500 to get the baby bank off the ground – covering storage, stock management and outreach delivery. If successful, we’ll be able to reach more families earlier, reducing stress, keeping babies safe, and connecting them with support that lasts.
Please vote for us before Sunday 8 February and share with others in the community.
Let’s bring the Butterfly Baby Bank to life together.
Charlton Toy Library 
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