Clackmannanshire Bumps and All, a small local charity that provides practical support and social sessions for young families, is holding a family fun day this Sunday at Alloa Town Hall amid rising demand for basic child essentials.
Growing need for practical help
Run by Agnes Neeson and Laura Beedie, the group operates regular support meetings across Alloa, Tullibody and Clackmannan where parents can access pre-loved children’s clothing and meet others for company and advice. Volunteers make refreshments and offer a welcoming space where adults are offered a hug if they want one.
"Anything that we give away that is pre-loved is free; it's also an element of recycling because most baby stuff is brand new by the time the baby grows out of it," said Agnes Neeson.
Organisers say the number of families attending can vary widely — some sessions are quiet, while at busier times as many as 30 to 40 people are in the hall — and that pressure has increased during the school summer holiday when families lose access to free school meals.
Practical support beyond clothing
As economic pressures bite, the charity has found itself referring more people to the local food bank and directly supplying urgent items such as nappies and wipes when families run out mid-week.
| Service | Areas covered |
|---|---|
| Support sessions and social groups | Alloa, Tullibody, Clackmannan |
| Distribution of pre-loved children’s clothing | County-wide (by referral or direct access) |
| Referral to food bank / emergency supplies | As required |
Family fun day details
The charity’s family fun day will take place at 12pm on Sunday in Alloa Town Hall. Tickets cost £10 each and are said to include lunch and a show. Activities planned include face painting and balloon modelling.
- Event: Family fun day
- When: Sunday, 12pm
- Where: Alloa Town Hall
- Ticket price: £10 (includes lunch and show)
Volunteers and organisers stress the dual nature of their work: providing immediate practical items to families in need, and creating a safe space for parents and carers to socialise and access peer support. They also work closely with health visitors and other local organisations to reach those who need help.
Residents seeking more information about the charity’s sessions or who need help are encouraged to make contact — in many cases, organisers will either provide assistance directly or signpost to other agencies that can help.
As summer pressures on household budgets continue, local groups such as Clackmannanshire Bumps and All play a growing role in the county’s informal safety net for families with young children.
