Welcome to
Ipswich Family Bank
Our Mission
Ipswich Family Bank is here to support local families when life gets tough — with emergency food hampers to baby essentials, clothes and toys. We believe every family deserves support and care in times of need.
Ipswich Family Bank
Our Story
The Ipswich Family Bank began in 2020 as a small baby bank, providing essential items to mothers during the Covid-19 pandemic. With the support of Morrisons — who remain central to our work today — we soon grew into a full family bank, starting in our founder Michelle’s living room, then moving to an allotment shed, and later to a local hall. Suffolk County Council placed us on the Fareshare list, and since then we’ve continued to grow each year, proudly supporting families across the local community.
How We Help Families
We are a volunteer-led organisation supporting families and individuals across Ipswich — from expectant parents to adults facing hardship. Referrals reach us through our Facebook page, schools, health professionals, children’s centres, and direct requests from families themselves. When help is needed, we respond quickly with an emergency food hamper, followed by face-to-face support to listen, understand, and provide further assistance.
Our hampers are made possible thanks to donations from Morrisons, Asda, Lidl, and Suffolk County Council, as well as toys, clothes, and essentials generously given by our community. Where appropriate, we also connect families with agencies such as Citizens Advice and debt management services for longer-term support.
Our Values
At Ipswich Family Bank, we believe in the power of kindness. Our strength lies in the personal touch — listening, understanding, and standing alongside those who need us.
There is joy in helping others, and together we can share love, empathy, and support with those in our community who need it most.
