Posted on Monday 26th October 2020
Left to right: Cllr Bryan Jones, Kerry Hutchings - Stock, Services and Activities Officer - Staffordshire Libraries, Cllr Phil Hewitt, Lydia Bartlett - Captain of Cannock Salvation Army
Families in Cannock are getting a helping hand thanks to a project giving them access to free pre-used school uniforms.
The Pre-Loved Uniform Market allows families to collect items of clothing at key dates during the year to help support them with their children’s school uniform needs.
The project is being run by Staffordshire County Council’s libraries service in partnership with The Salvation Army and is funded through county council community funding.
The markets stocks school trousers, skirts, shirts, ties and branded school sweatshirts for all ages.
The first market in August helped 279 children access free clothing items, saving families in the area an estimated £13,950 .
The next market will be available at The Salvation Army Church and Community Centre in Cannock from Monday 25 to Friday 29 October from 11am to 1pm each day. Families attending will need to follow the latest Coronavirus guidance including socially distancing and wearing a face covering.
Phil Hewett, Cabinet Support Member for Communities at Staffordshire County Council said:
“Our local community funding is all about giving the community a chance to take the lead on the projects that matter to them most. This is a great example of how the funding can benefit local people.
“It’s a really simple idea that’s directly helping local families in Cannock get access to pre-used uniforms. Not only is this helping families save money themselves, it’s also helping the environment too as there’s less clothing going to the tip and landfill. We were all pleased to be able to support the project with our funding and it proves how relatively small amounts of money can have a big impact on local communities.”.
Lydia Bartlett – Captain of The Salvation Army Church in Cannock said:
"Removing barriers to education can be as simple as providing the correct jumper or pair of trousers. This year we have seen such disruption to children’s education, due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Let us all play our part in ensuring as many children as possible have a good and settled classroom experience.”
The project has received community funding from Staffordshire County Councillors Phil Hewitt, Bryan Jones, David Williams, Johnny McMahon, Paul Snape and Mike Sutherland.
For more information or to make a donation of uniform people should contact Cannock library.