Second Chance CIC, a community shop in Hendon, Sunderland, has recently relocated to a larger facility due to an increase in demand for free second-hand school uniform assistance. The organization collects and distributes pre-worn school uniforms at no cost to families in need, aiming to support those who struggle with the financial burden of school clothing on top of other living expenses.
Wendy English, the director of Second Chance, noted that the shop can now distribute approximately 200 items weekly, reflecting a significant demand from families facing economic hardships. English shared a particular instance where a family was unable to afford food or school uniforms, highlighting the challenges some local families face.
The shop’s recent expansion was supported by grants from the Community Lottery Fund and Sunderland City Council, which enabled it to purchase new clothing items, diversifying its offerings. English stated that the previous location could not accommodate the volume of donations received, making the new space essential for their operations.
On average, around 20 families visit Second Chance each day. Julianna Atola, a local parent seeking a uniform for her daughter, described the shop as a substantial help, emphasizing the quality of the second-hand clothing and the benefit of not incurring costs.
In a related development, the Department for Education announced plans to modify regulations surrounding compulsory branded items in school uniforms. The proposed changes aim to reduce the number of required branded items to three, along with a branded tie for secondary students, with expected savings of approximately £50 per child for English families. Despite this initiative, English remarked that such measures may not be sufficient, advocating for the elimination of all branded uniform items to provide greater relief to families in need.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd630vqjy70o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss