Call to donate school uniform to help families in Fenland

Local people are being asked to get behind a scheme to help families struggling with the costs of back to school especially uniform and shoes.

The Think Communities team from Cambridgeshire County Council were in Wisbech on Monday (15) running a donation event asking people to give school uniform and shoes no longer needed so that it can be used by families struggling financially thanks to the cost of living crisis.

The team were at Tesco Extra and the supermarket giants have backed the campaign by donating new items of uniform.

Shoppers were also encouraged to buy an item of clothing to donate while doing their regular shopping.

Hayley Wynn, who was one of those manning the community uniform wardrobe, explained: "This is a very expensive time of year for families when they have to buy new school uniform and other items for their children ready for the start of school.

"We are in particularly hard times at the moment because of the rising cost of living and so we are hoping the community will get behind us and support this scheme to help ease the pressure on those families who are struggling. It will also help cut waste, so it is a win-win situation."

Monday's event was the first of a series of uniform banks to be held. The team will be in Whittlesey on Friday and will return to Wisbech on Wednesday (23) when they will be at the town's library from 10am to 3pm.

Hayley said: "We realise that not everyone has transport to get to Tesco so holding another event in the library, which is more central, will hopefully make it easier for people to both donate items and for families to access the help they need."

She said the current round of support is focused in both Wisbech and Whittlesey, but said similar support will be offered in March and Chatteris during October half-term.

Hayley added: "The trouble is children do keep growing and so there is always a need for new clothing and shoes. If people can help either by donating good quality second hand uniform they no longer need, or by buying items while shopping, then that will really help."

Items can be taken along to donate on the day and anyone needing a helping hand is also welcome to go along.