A community swap shop is helping young families in Ribbleton with the cost of raising a family.

The St Matthews Swap Shop will be held this Thursday (March 15) and runs on a bring and take basis, recycling clothing, prams and baby equipment within the community.

Families are invited to bring their unwanted or outgrown items and swap them for things they need, for free or for a small donation.

Anything that isn’t taken is given to charity shops or homeless shelters in the area.

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Cara Englishby volunteers at the swap shop. She said: “We have been running for a few years now. It’s aimed at families who are struggling financially or parents who just need that extra bit of help. 

“We run through a bring and take basis, exactly like a swap – bring a bag and take a bag.

“We also accept financial donations for people who cannot donate baby or toddler items such as first time parents.

“It’s very well used in the community so stock is handed out very quickly, which mean in the two months between shop shop openings we are constantly sourcing donations from all over places, asking volunteers to collect and wash the items before the next opening.

“We desperately need more volunteers, as well as generous donations.”

The St Matthews Swap Shop is held at the St Matthews Mission, off Acregate Lane, Fishwick from 12pm – 2pm.

If you would like to volunteer on the day, help with collecting or washing donations, or have any items you would like to donate, please send a message through the St Matthews Swap Shop Facebook page.