MP for Warrington South, Sarah Hall, recently visited The School Uniform Network shop in Warrington’s Golden Square to meet volunteers and discuss the work the Network has been doing to support the local community.
Back in 2019, as a local councillor, Sarah, together with Bewsey resident Vicky Pickering, set up a school uniform swap shop in Bewsey and Whitecross. They wanted to support residents struggling with the cost of uniform and provide a sustainable alternative to throwing away clothing, encouraging the recycling of pre-loved uniforms.
That project later kickstarted the town’s School Uniform Network. Supported by Warrington Foodbank and other local partners, the Network offers pre-loved, good quality, branded and non-branded school uniform for schools across Warrington.
Due to demand, in 2022 the Network, in partnership with Warrington Foodbank, opened a shop which is run by volunteers. The shop is located next to The Works in Golden Square.
Anyone can access the shop, with all items available free of charge thanks to clothing donations. Unlike other school uniform projects there is no requirement for the user to be referred or on specific benefits.
Since opening its doors, The School Uniform Network has seen demand for uniform increase significantly. In July alone, 1,050 articles of branded and non-branded uniforms were provided to parents and carers across the town. Since the beginning of the year, over 5,000 items have been provided.
As families prepare for the new school year the Network is predicting demand to soar.
The shop is open every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, 10am to 2pm. And offers everything from school blazers, shirts, skirts and trousers to PE kits, shoes, coats and more. Donations of pre-loved clothing can also be dropped off at the shop to help other families across the town.
Sarah Hall MP said: “The ongoing cost of living crisis means people are struggling all year round. Wages are being stretched thin as many try to budget for food, heating, rent and mortgage costs. Unfortunately, the cost of buying new school uniform is prohibitive to many families.
“The cost of buying new items can climb to hundreds of pounds, particularly when you’re buying for more than one child. Money that many simply do not have.
“At The School Uniform Network shop, you can browse and collect whatever you need. There is no minimum payment required, no referral or paperwork needed – it’s open to all.
“Not only does the School Uniform Network shop remove a financial burden for those struggling to make ends meet, it’s also a great way reduce the amount of good quality clothing good to landfill – so you’re doing your bit for the environment too.
It’s a fantastic initiative. Thank you to all the Network volunteers who make this offer possible, Warrington Foodbank, and everyone who is supporting the Network’s work. It’s a great example of our wonderful Warrington community coming together to support one another. I will continue to support them in any way I can.”
Vicky Pickering from The School Uniform Network said: It’s been fantastic to work with Sarah on this project over the past few years, seeing it grow from strength to strength.
The support of Warrington Foodbank and the Golden Square means the School Uniform Network has been able to expand and support families across Warrington.
As the new school year approaches many more parents and guardians will be visiting the shop with their children. We are always on the look out for new uniform from any school in Warrington.
If you have piece of preloved uniform that you would like to donate, you can drop it off at the shop located in the Golden Square.
