Families invited to pick up school uniforms at special markets

Liz Beddows and Lisa Bentley from Cannock Library

Families in Cannock are invited to a series of markets where they can pick school uniform items up for their children.

The Pre-Loved Uniform Markets (PLUM) are run by Staffordshire County Council’s Libraries and Arts service and The Salvation Army. Since launching in 2020, the project has handed out over 15,000 items, helping local families save an estimated £90,450.

Hundreds of pre-used items are being made available free of charge to families on a low income. Items available include school trousers, skirts, shirts, ties and branded school sweatshirts.

There are items for most schools in Cannock including Kingsmead, Gorsemoor, Cheslyn Hay, SUA, Five Ways, St Lukes, Longford, St Joseph’s, Cannock Chase High, Pye Green, St Peter’s and Littleton Green, but others are represented too.

The markets will take place at The Salvation Army on Anglesey Street, Hednesford on:

• Monday 19 August 10am-12pm & 1pm-3pm
• Tuesday 20 August 10am-12pm & 1pm-3pm
• Wednesday 21 August 10am-12pm & 5pm-7pm
• Thursday 22 August 10am-12pm & 1pm-3pm
• Friday 23 August 10am-12pm & 1pm-3pm

Victoria Wilson, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture at Staffordshire County Council said:

“This remains a really important project for both the county council and for local families and it continues to grow from strength to strength.

“School uniforms can be expensive and when you’ve got more than one child the costs can quickly add up.  Providing these items free of charge to families who need that little extra bit of help means they can put their money towards other essential household bills. 

“I would urge families who could benefit from the project to pop along to one of the markets.  You’ll be surprised at the range of uniforms available.”

The Pre-Loved Uniform Market project is supported by county councillors across Cannock Chase.  Tesco, Morrisons and local donations also support the scheme.

Further details on the project are available on Staffordshire Libraries Facebook page.