Innovative initiative launched to help families in Northwich

An initiative to help local families kit out their children in the right sized school uniform for the September term for free, has been launched today (25th July) by The Salvation Army in Northwich.

Captain Becky Ward, church leader at The Salvation Army in Northwich came up with the idea to run a school uniform swap for two weeks during the school summer holidays.

She said: “The school summer holidays is an expensive time for families and finding an affordable uniform can be particularly stressful if finances are already tight. 

“We run a programme of activities to support the community and work with local families. Recently I kept hearing that the school uniform many of the children had grown out of was still in great condition but parents had no way of easily swapping with other families in a similar position. I thought a school uniform swap provided the perfect solution.”

All school uniform items can be donated, including gym wear and shoes. 

Families are encouraged to drop off any items their children have grown out of at The Salvation Army in Northwich. 

Kerri Manning, a local mum who has three children and volunteers at The Salvation Army in Northwich, said:  "I think this is a great idea.  Families are already under financial pressure and the extra burden during the summer school holidays, providing extra meals and so on can be a worry.  If you have two or three children to buy full school uniform for the cost can be enormous. I know this initiative will make a big difference to us this summer.”

The Salvation Army is located on Tabley Street and will be open to drop off donations and to browse for uniforms from Tuesday 25th July to Friday 11th August from 9 am to 1.30 pm (except Sundays).

Becky, added: "All we ask is for families to check the uniforms before they donate them to ensure they're are in a good condition." 

As well as Sunday Worship, the church runs a busy programme supporting the community and these includes a drop in for people experiencing homelessness as well as a community café. To find out more about the church visit - https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/northwich.