A SHOPPING centre in Ashton-under-Lyne is hoping to support struggling families with schoolchildren and a local charity with a new initiative.
Ladysmith Shopping Centre is holding a ‘School Uniform Exchange’ to offer families free school uniform, with an optional donation to its charity partner this year, which is Willow Wood Hospice.
Throughout July and early August, the community is encouraged to drop off any used or new school uniform items at the Hospice’s shop in the centre.
The ‘Uniform Exchange’ shop will be open for two days – on Friday, August 30, and Saturday, August 31 – before the new school year begins in September and staff will be on hand to assist.
Uniforms will be free to claim but people are encouraged to make a donation, however small, in support of Willow Wood Hospice – which provides compassionate care to patients from the local community with any life-limiting illness.
Ladysmith says the initiative aims to ease the financial burden on families amid the cost-of-living crisis, promote sustainability and reduce textile waste.
It follows a Censuswide poll conducted for the footwear brand Wynsors, which revealed that 73 per cent of parents feel that purchasing school uniforms strains their household budget, with 37 per cent of parents admitting they need financial support for these expenses but are unable to obtain it.
“We believe that every child deserves to start the school year with confidence, and a proper uniform is an important part of that,” said Ian Pratt, a spokesperson for Ladysmith Shopping Centre.
“Access to school uniforms is also about equality, dignity and inclusion, ensuring every child feels positive and part of the school community.”
The shopping centre is also looking for volunteers to help out on the two days that the ‘Uniform Exchange’ shop will be running.
For more information about the ‘School Uniform Exchange’ visit https://www.ladysmithshoppingcentre.com/ladysmith-shopping-centre-school-uniform-exchange/