School uniform banks provide lifeline for parents

The Salvation Army has seen a rise in demand for quality second hand school uniforms from its uniform banks, uniform exchanges or community wardrobes, as the cost of a new school uniform is beyond the reach of many struggling parents.

The Salvation Army’s Maidstone uniform bank opened over two days in August, and parents who use the church and charity’s foodbank were encouraged to rummage through the array of quality second hand uniforms, shoes, sanitary products and stationery - and make a donation only if they could afford it. Local mum, Gemma Pearson, spoke to ITV News about how expensive new school uniforms are, especially when the school requires branded items.

Walthamstow’s second-hand uniform sale enjoyed a visit by MP Stella Creasy who urged local families to come along and grab school uniforms, including expensive branded goods, for just 50p an item.

Shipley Salvation Army’s School Uniform Support hub provides uniforms for around 40 local schools as well as non-logo items, coats, and football boots. It gave out 1,600 items last year, supporting 400 families, and expanded its opening hours this year to cover both term-time and the summer holiday to cater to growing demand.

The Salvation Army in Clitheroe was able to offer school uniform items free of charge thanks to donations from local schools, businesses and member of the community.

Brenda Wise, church leader at Clitheroe said: “Times are still tough for many of the people who live within our community. People perceive Clitheroe to be wealthy, but it also has a lot of hardworking people living here, on the lowest of incomes who are struggling to provide for their families. The costs of new school uniforms can push some budgets to the brink and when families have more than one child to provide for, uniform costs can climb into hundreds of pounds, an amount that many simply don’t have.”

Year on year we are seeing greater demand for our uniform banks with parents saying even so called affordable uniforms are not an option if you have no money.

The Salvation Army believes that no family should struggle to provide the essentials for their children whether food, heating, a safe place to live, and the chance to play and learn.