The figures...
The cost of school uniforms in 2023 were calculated to be an average of £230.40 per child. This is a whopping 21% increase on 2018 figures and it will be no surprise with the cost of living crisis that the cost of uniforms are set to rise again!
As parents we know this average is off the mark, when you add the cost of coats, shoes and other essentials, such as lunch boxes, stationary and scientific calculators the cost is ramped up even more.
Education is free, but ultimately uniform is a compulsory costs of education. Placing incredible financial burdens on families.
In terms of the Environment it is estimated that 1.4 Million wearable school uniforms are sent to landfill each year. In a world where we need to think about being sustainable why can we not recycle some of this uniform to help our planet and to help ease the financial burden on families with the cost of school uniforms.
The impact...
This is what The Uniformity Project will do. We provide free recycled uniforms supporting partnered schools in Ashton-in-Makerfield, Golborne, Lowton, Leigh, Tyldesley and Atherton.
For the last 2 years we ran a pilot in Golborne and Lowton through pop up stalls in the community and this year we want to help many more families across a wider area.
We have secured a base to set up The Uniformity Project as a shop. Parents will be able to come to the shop as you would an average uniform shop, take what you need from off the shelves and go to the checkout. The only difference at the checkout the cost will be £0.00.
Anyone can access the project, no questions asked. Whether you visit the shop for a financial need, or you simply like to help us by recycling, we do not need to know the reason.
What will the project provide?
The project will provide the below recycled items. The items available will be dependent on items that are donated.
How else can we help?
We will be on hand to provide advice an guidance for anyone who needs support with applying for benefits, budgeting, understanding local authority support or signposting to debt relief support.
An advisor will put the kettle on and provide you with time and a confidential space to discuss your needs.
Last year with the helped over 100 families by signposting them to additional support.
A sneak Peak.....
These photo are the space currently and the 3D image is the plan of how this space will be laid out once renovated.
How can you help?
Donate:
Making a donation no matter how big or how small, will make a big difference, you can help the vision come to life.
Volunteer:
As a 100% volunteer led charity we rely on the gift of time. If you are interested in voluntary opportunities with the uniformity project the please visit www.aimnorthwest.org.uk
Attend our opening event: Saturday 16th June 2024 at 11am - here you can meet our Uniformity Mascot 'Mikey' and we will be running free taster art sessions throughout the day, come along and join in the fun!
Recycle:
Use this community resource, and offer any donations of unwanted uniforms via your school, you can also donate children's clothes between the ages of 3 - 16 years of age.
