Charities and community organizations are experiencing an increased demand for second-hand school uniforms. Barnardo’s in Frome has made a call for donations due to the heightened interest, while parents in Somerset have established Facebook groups to facilitate exchanges and donations.
The Community Hub in Chard has introduced a pre-loved school uniform shop that operates on a “pay what you can afford” basis, aimed at supporting parents facing financial challenges. Tessa Goodridge-Reynolds, a member of the Chard Community Hub, highlighted the pressure on parents during this expensive time of year and emphasized the intention behind the shop, which opened in 2022, was to address community needs.
Goodridge-Reynolds noted that parents struggled to find affordable uniforms, and she also pointed out the sustainability aspect of reusing clothing. Over 1,300 items have reportedly been distributed to families as the school year approaches.
In addition, Nikki Allen, a Somerset-based mother, initiated the South Somerset School Uniform Exchange group on Facebook in response to her own experiences. She expressed that the group sees daily posts offering school uniforms and coats, making it beneficial for many families given the ongoing financial constraints.
Barnardo’s in Frome has similarly observed a surge in demand for school uniforms, with parents reportedly lining up for items such as uniforms and PE kits. Store manager Hannah Smith relayed that requests for uniforms have increased significantly, attributing this trend to the rising cost of living that has made purchasing new uniforms less feasible for many families. She cited the typical cost of a general Frome College uniform, amounting to £100 for a complete set.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj078n8ynrpo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss