Charity’s uniform hub will help struggling families
A WOKINGHAM-BASED charity has expanded its services, and launched a new school uniform hub.
First Days is running the new hub from Woodford Park Leisure Centre, allowing parents to drop-off high-quality used uniforms, and discuss support options.
It started yesterday, and will run every Wednesday from 12.30pm until 2.30pm.
Lindsay Browne, community engagement manager at First Days Children’s Charity, said the space is a “neutral ground” away from schools or churches, for parents to come and discuss their concerns over uniform.
“We’ve chosen Woodley because it does have pockets of high deprivation, and a diverse community,” she said.
“With seven primary schools, two secondary schools and a SEND school, there’s definitely a need here.”
It comes off the back of a successful school uniform project, based in Norreys which was founded in 2018.
“I believe there’s still a stigma among parents for asking for support from schools,” Ms Browne said.
“Some people might feel judged, even though they’re not.”
She said the hub is run by volunteers who have used First Days’ services themselves.
“These people understand what it’s like,” she said. “We have more empathy and understanding about what it feels like when you can’t afford a new uniform.”
Last month, First Days ran summer uniform events at four schools in Woodley.
“We’ve already supported more than 50 families,” Ms Browne explained.” And some of these families include two or three children — it’s amazing to support so many people already.”
She said she hopes parents will come down to Woodford Park to not only drop off donations, but also chat about their school uniform concerns.
Ms Browne said this can be particularly challenging for parents whose children are moving from Year 6, to Year 7 this September, and will need a new uniform for a secondary school.
“They can come talk to use about it now,” she said. “That way, there’s more chance we can help more people, and take away some of the anxiety about uniforms as the summer approaches.”
The hub is accepting uniforms with and without logos that are in good condition, as well as school shoes, football boots and trainers.
After months of home-schooling, Ms Browne is encouraging families who have better quality uniforms — due to a lack of use — to drop it off.