13 Jul 2023
The cost of living crises continues to push more families into poverty and economic uncertainty. The alarming rise in the cost of basic day-to-day essentials such as food and heating has left many families facing tough choices about how they can afford to support themselves during this time of economic hardship.
During this crisis, families with young children have been left feeling particularly vulnerable as a consequence of the rising prices of school uniforms. The average cost for maintaining a child's school uniform for a year currently costs an average of £337.
Without the correct school uniform children can miss out on their education, face social isolation or bullying.
Many families who struggle wth the cost of school uniforms feel too embarrassed to ask for help or simply do not know who to turn to for support.
In response to this crisis St Andrew's Youth Club, the Bessborough Family Hub and the Cardinal Hume Centre have come together to find a solution to make sure children don't miss out on their education. We have launched a School Uniform Bank at St Andrew's Club, where local children can access extra pieces of uniform that families cannot afford.
How can i help?
If you are a local business that wants to support this initiative and provide for young children you can do so by.
(1) Organise a school uniform collection in your office - We would love new and good condition second hand uniform essentials and branded jumpers/blazers for schools based in Westminster and Southwark (see list at bottom of page). If you would like to organise a collection please email trish@standrewsclub.com
(2) Ask staff to donate supermarket vouchers from John Lewis, M&S and Sainsbury's to help towards a child's new uniform.
(3) Make a donation to our school uniform appeal so we can buy items the children need such as branded blazers, which can cost as much as £116.
Individuals can show their support by donating to our local giving page via the link Community School Uniform Bank | Localgiving or by texting NEWSCHOOL£10 or NEWSCHOOL£20 to 70460. Texts will cost the donation amount plus one standard network message.
We hope you will be able to support our appeal and help the Club provide for young children and their families.
