Posted on Thursday 2nd March 2023
Kerry Hutchings from Staffordshire Libraries and Amy Bayliss-Fox
Hundreds of pre-used school uniforms worth almost £55,000 have been given out to families in Stafford and Cannock to help them with the rising cost of living.
The Pre-Loved Uniform Markets (PLUM) are run by Staffordshire County Council’s libraries service and The Salvation Army.
The project allows local families to pick up items of clothing at key dates during the year to help support them with their children’s school uniform needs.
More than 300 items including school trousers, skirts, shirts, ties and branded school sweatshirts were given out during markets held at the Salvation Army centres in Stafford and Cannock during the February half term holiday.
Since launching in 2020, the project has helped local families save an estimated £54,500.
Victoria Wilson, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture at Staffordshire County Council said:
“We know that many families continue to face additional financial pressures because of the increasing cost of living but it’s great news that this project is able to help.
“Kitting children out for school with uniforms can be expensive and when you’ve got more than one child, these costs can quickly mount up. Thanks to the generosity of people who donate their unwanted items, other families can benefit and save some money to put towards other essential household bills.
“This is just one of many projects the county council and partners are running to help local families. There is a lot more help and support out there from local organisations. Support is often closer than people think and getting help early can also make a real difference.”
Amy Bayliss-Fox from the Salvation Army in Stafford said:
“To be able to support families in our area in this way is at the very heart of what The Salvation Army do.
“We are here to provide practical, pastoral and vital support to those in our area in need all year round. The PLUM project is just one way that we hope to alleviate some pressure in these difficult times. To be able to have helped 23 children get uniform in time for the summer term is amazing and we wouldn’t be able to do what we do without the support from the general public!”
Staffordshire County Council’s ‘Here to Help’ campaign and dedicated webpages have information and advice with things like childcare funding, paying bills, food and essentials and staying warm. They also provide access to the online benefits checker along with information on other council projects such as the Staffordshire Warmer Homes scheme.
The Pre-Loved Uniform Market project is supported by Staffordshire County Council members across Cannock Chase as part of the doing your bit campaign.
Further details on the project are available on Staffordshire Libraries Facebook page.