Free school uniforms project returns, saving Cannock families £100,000
Special markets that have provided free school uniforms to hundreds of families over the last five years are returning later this month for the upcoming school term.
The Pre-Loved Uniform Markets, run by Staffordshire County Council’s Libraries and Arts Service and The Salvation Army, will take place between Monday 11 and Friday 15 August at The Salvation Army’s centre in Hednesford.
The school uniforms available cover all schools in the Cannock Chase area, while generic school trousers and shirts of all sizes are also available.
Families are invited to pick any items of clothing required for the new school year.
Having first set up its stalls in 2020, the market has helped kit out more than 2,000 children, representing more than 50 schools.
With additional county council community funding and support from Tesco and Morrisons, the estimated savings for families are £102,150.
Hayley Coles, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture at Staffordshire County Council, said: “This is a brilliant project and we’re pleased to be working with The Salvation Army once again to support families as they prepare their children for the new school year.
“Kitting children out for school isn’t cheap and for families with more than one child it can be very expensive. But that’s where the project kicks in offering that helping hand.
“Since 2020, our markets have provided much needed relief saving families thousands of pounds on uniform costs. I’d definitely urge families, particularly those struggling financially, to get themselves along to a market and get what they need.”
Markets are running on:
- Monday 11 August 10am – 3pm
- Tuesday 12 August 3pm – 7pm
- Wednesday 13 August 10am – 3pm
- Thursday 14 August 10am - 3pm
- Friday 15 August 10am – 12noon
Further information is available from The Salvation Army via email at [email protected] or call 01543 426128.
Alternatively, contact the county council’s library service by emailing [email protected].
Pictured from left to right: Councillor Hayley Coles and libraries development manager Kerry Hutchings encourage families to make use of the free market
