Demand soars for free kits as charities help out hard-up families
Free school uniforms are being offered by charity and voluntary groups as hard-up families struggle to make ends meet.
While campaigners welcome the news that the Government are setting a £100 minimum for school clothing grants in all local authority areas in Scotland, back-toschool banks have never been busier.
Julia Grindley, of Edinburgh School Uniform Bank, said: “We have had 400 referrals already this year, compared to a total of about 300 for the whole of last year, and we expect many more in August and September once the new term gets underway.”
The bank is one of more than 20 groups throughout Scotland.
Julia said: “Any child going to school without adequate uniform is vulnerable to social exclusion, low self-esteem and less engagement with education. The knock-on effects on their lives can be significant.
“We don’t take requests directly from families. Referrals are made by professionals such as social workers, headteachers, family support workers and health visitors.
“They can request up to six items of new uniform and we add in extras such as gym kit, stationery and school bags when we can.
“Whatever the reason behind the families’ difficulties, it’s not the children’s fault.”
For more information on referrals and how to donate, log on to www. edinburghuniform.org