Channel 4 show spotlights Growbaby project helping families

AN episode of a TV show will shine a light on a project helping families with the cost-of-living crisis.

Peter and Noni Farrelly will feature in Channel 4’s popular show, Narrow Escapes, about life on Britain’s waterways.

The pair, who live in a narrowboat, are co-founders of Growbaby, an international charity providing free, high-quality clothing for babies and young children.

In the episode, which will be featured in the new series of Narrow Escapes currently running on Channel 4, viewers will see how the charity operates at its project in Kirkcaldy, Scotland.

Collection of Growbaby clothes in York. Photo supplied

At Growbaby’s sister organisation in York, volunteers say the need for free clothing for younger children is greater than ever, adding that people from all over the city are welcome to use the service, run out of the York Vineyard Church in Fawcett Street, near the Barbican Centre.

Heather Pearce is one of a team of volunteers with Growbaby York.

She told The Press: “We aim to provide a welcoming, accepting space for people in our community who are in need of clothes for children aged 0–5 years.

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“Growbaby York is not just about providing baby clothes for those who need them, but also about providing a place of community. A place where parents, carers and grandparents can come and browse the clothes, feel connected with their community, build relationships and experience a sense of belonging.”

Growbaby York – providing quality clothing for free to under fives. Photo supplied

Timna Bennett, of the York Vineyard Church, added: “At the heart of Growbaby York is a simple aim: that no child would go without. The initiative does this by providing good-quality new and pre-loved clothing for under-5s completely free of charge to families across York, regardless of income, background or faith.”

Since launching around four years ago, the project has gradually gained momentum.

Earlier this year, Growbaby York moved into a new shop-style space within the York Vineyard Church.

Timna said as families continued to face rising living costs, the team recognised that the challenges of raising young children were often not only financial.

Caring for babies and toddlers could be an isolating experience, and Growbaby York sought to provide both practical support and meaningful connection, she said.

“By making the service available to everyone, regardless of circumstances, the project hopes to remove any stigma around asking for help and accessing support,” she said.

“Volunteers carefully ensure that all clothing is in excellent condition, reflecting their belief that every family should be treated with dignity and understand their worth.”

York Vineyard Church in Fawcett Street

Growbaby York currently opens on the second and fourth Friday of each month from 10am until 12pm at York Vineyard Church on Fawcett Street (YO10 4AH). No referral is required.

The project is part of the wider Growbaby International network, founded in 2003 by Peter and Noni.

It began with a vision to support local families in need, regardless of income, faith or background.

Today, there are more than 40 Growbaby initiatives serving communities across the UK and beyond.

Watch Narrow Escapes on Channel 4 and on catch-up – www.channel4.com/programmes/narrow-escapes