A COAT bank has been launched so no child feels the cold this winter.

Dorchester Family Partnership Zone (DFPZ) has set up a coat bank at Poundbury Children’s Centre in the lead-up to Christmas.

So far, the group has been inundated with coats of different styles and sizes.

Louisa Payne, Zone Leader of DFPZ, is encouraging needy families to come forward.

She said: “We have been inundated with coats; peoples’ generosity has been amazing.

“We’re engaging with organisations and schools to put families forward, so they can pick up a new winter coat.

“If there’s a family and they feel like they can’t afford a coat over the winter period and that a helping hand would be nice, then they can contact Dorchester Family Partnership Zone.

“Basically, they can self-refer, or they can have chat with their school or health visitor. They can also give us a ring and have chat, or they can come in and have a look at what we’ve got and pick something out.

“We’re also encouraging trade-ins. Families can bring in coats to swap.”

She added: “We work with families in need, we know children don’t always have a warm coat, and it’s getting colder, so we thought this would be a great idea.

“A winter coat can be quite expensive, especially when juggling household bills, food and Christmas.

“Luckily, we’ve had a lot of people coming in with bin bags full of coats, sometimes, stuff they could actually get a bit of money for if they sold it on eBay.

“As a parent, you want to be able to feed your child and keep them warm.”

The project is aimed at children between four and 12-years-old.

She explained: “We also go into schools and talk to them about families that might need support and how we might identify a family who needs a helping hand.”

A Family Partnership Zone is a geographical area of Dorset where people come together to help and support children, young people and their families with any aspect of family life.

Family Partnership Zones are made up of different professionals who want the very best for children, young people and families.

They work together in local communities to make sure you get the right help at the right time.

For more information call Gypsy Page on 01305 221348.