Mama2Mama, a charity providing free baby and children's clothes, toys, cots, and mattresses in Woolwich, is now supporting more than 50 families each week. Operating like a food bank but for babies, the organization collects new and pre-loved essentials for children aged 0 to 7 in Greenwich, Bexley, and Lewisham. The baby bank welcomes everyone, especially those on low incomes, families struggling to make ends meet, and individuals who must choose between heating and eating.
Demand for Mama2Mama's services has surged by 150% over the past year, with many families coming from households where both parents work full-time. Official data from Trust for London reveals that 40% of children in Greenwich live in poverty. Founder and CEO Zuzana Fratikova is deeply concerned about the escalating cost of living and its impact on those already feeling the pinch.
Zuzana said: "So many people are at crisis point – we get between 5 and 10 new referrals every day. These are families who can’t afford to heat their homes, women fleeing domestic abuse, and working parents. All at a time when the cost of everything is going up. I’ve heard stories of parents rationing nappies and washing disposable ones. A mother even called me from a hospital delivery room just as she was about to give birth."
Keeping the shelves stocked is no small feat. Like many grassroots charities, Mama2Mama combines grants, donations, and income from its café to sustain operations. Donations come from local families, businesses, and corporate partners before being redistributed to parents who need them most.
One key partner is L&Q, a housing association with over 5,000 homes in Greenwich. L&Q is supporting Mama2Mama's bedtime pack initiative, ensuring no newborn goes without essentials or the little things that make bedtime feel safe and special. Two £10,000 grants are funding packs for 200 children across Bexley and Greenwich, each containing pyjamas, a storybook, a comfort item, as well as cots and mattresses.
Zuzana added: "Poverty isn’t something we should turn a blind eye to. When enough people care, we can give children in need the chance to thrive. Sleep is essential for a child’s development, mental health, and ability to learn. A good night sets them up for the day and for the best possible start in life."
Matt Corbett, director of L&Q Foundation, said: "When we asked our local residents where support was needed most, the answer was clear: support for low-income families and children. There's nothing quite like this in Greenwich or Bexley, and that's precisely why we're committed to supporting Mama2Mama. One in three children in London are growing up in poverty – a sobering and stark statistic. Zuzana’s team are doing extraordinary work, and our job is to get behind them, so they can reach more families and keep growing."
The baby bank was named winner of two categories at the Best of Royal Greenwich Business Awards 2026: Business of the Year and Social Impact. This summer, they are opening a new hub on Pett Street in Woolwich, a welcoming space where families will be met with dignity rather than shame. The team works closely with parents to connect them with parenting programmes, employability advice, and health referrals, bridging the gap between emergency and long-term support.
For Zuzana, this work is personal. She grew up in a children’s home in Slovakia in the 1980s before becoming an executive assistant at investment banks, including Citi, and starting Mama2Mama in 2021. Founded on Mother’s Day, the idea was born out of lockdown when Zuzana saw the desperate need for essentials among families with young children. She said: "There is so much to think about when you have a baby. Are they eating enough? Are they getting enough sleep? Add in the stress of finances and it can become too much to bear."
Mama2Mama welcomes donations of baby clothes, nappies, toiletries, and equipment. Zuzana said: "There's a powerful sense of solidarity in Greenwich. People genuinely look out for one another – and that spirit of generosity is what keeps Mama2Mama going. From our dedicated volunteers who show up rain or shine, to our generous donors who keep our shelves stocked, and our amazing partners who help us reach so many families. As costs begin to creep up again, the pressure on households is growing. With more behind us, we’ll be able to help more little ones, because every child deserves a good night's sleep. Every donation, no matter how big or small, makes a difference."
