Charities in the West Midlands have reported a surge in demand for assistance with school uniforms this summer, reflecting growing financial pressure on families. Government statistics revealed that the average cost of a school uniform exceeds £340 for primary school students and approximately £454 for secondary school students. A recent study by Parentkind indicated that 30% of parents forego necessities like food and heating to cover uniform costs, while 45% resort to using credit cards.
Telford Crisis Support has been providing free school uniforms to local children since 2019, and the number of requests has increased significantly from 125 in its first year to 320 requests in August alone. Erin Aston, the charity’s coordinator, noted that branded items like blazers and PE kits are particularly expensive and often hard to find at the charity. Legislation set to take effect next year aims to reduce the number of branded items schools mandate for purchase, which may ease some of the financial burden on families.
Another initiative, Uniforms Together, was launched by Zoe Turner in nearby Shifnal to provide affordable school uniforms. Initially focused on Scouts uniforms due to limited availability, the scheme has expanded to accommodate a higher volume of requests. Turner collaborated with local businesses, including a dry cleaner for clothing maintenance and a church for sales venues. The program has seen strong engagement, with 236 items sold at its first sale and 370 during the summer months.
Additionally, Wolverhampton City Credit Union has implemented a savings incentive, offering to match the first £75 saved in children’s accounts, which can then be used for school uniforms. Antoinette Kelly, who manages the program, highlighted the increased demand for support this year and the necessity of finding alternatives to debt for families facing financial challenges. The credit union also mentioned the presence of second-hand uniform banks throughout the city, contributing to the support network for families in need.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2l7ql4d5l1o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss