Member Article

Uniform Bank Cuts On Poverty and Landfill

Parents Bank on Pre- loved School Uniforms  With the ever-rising cost of living, and parents in the region are struggling to ensure that their children are correctly dressed in school uniform, a group of Gateshead mums have set up an organisation to reduce uniform poverty and help diminish the amount of school uniform that goes into landfill.  Gateshead West Pre-Loved Uniform Scheme is dedicated to supporting those in need as well as reducing waste. Set up in June 2021, by eight mums with children across several schools in West Gateshead, the organisation now includes parents, grandparents, and a host of volunteers. They help more than forty families a month by providing used, quality items to help ease the burden of the cost of buying new.  One of the mums is author and ex teacher Eleanor Baggaley from Ryton.  “With the rise in the cost of living we expect to see an increase in the number of families using us. However, we’re not just there to support families in financial difficulty, we want to change the perceptions around second hand uniform. It’s not something to be ashamed off, it’s not just for struggling families. In a world where recycling is an increasing focus, that should include school uniform which children grow out of at an alarming rate. Any items we get that are not wearable get recycled into snuffle mats for dogs, decorative wreaths to use around home or for Christmas and other decorative items, “she said. The scheme works closely with The Winlaton Centre who support a lot of families who are struggling financially. When the scheme started up 10 months ago, the group did not expect the volume of help that they give and are pleased that they are helping so many families.  People can drop off their donations at Sainsburys in Ryton, the Winlaton Centre and the Health Hub in Ryton. Any good quality goods are accepted whether branded for a particular school or not and anyone using the service can pay what they can but only if they can.  “Life is tough for a lot of people right now and we don’t think anyone should have to choose between buying uniform or paying household bills. As children get to secondary school the number of items required is extensive, despite the new government guidance for schools around uniform in November 2021. Sadly, because it is not statutory many schools have not adopted it which leads to parents facing stark choices and possible hardships, “said Eleanor. 

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Keith Newman .