We need urgent help with school uniform cost for vulnerable children from low income families.

Did you know that the average cost of a child’s school uniform for a year is £250 for primary and £340 for secondary school?

Ilford Salvation Army is currently helping just over 200 families with children under the age of 18. All these families live on an extremely low income and many struggle with providing the daily necessities for their children and aren’t able to save money aside for school uniform.

In the summer 2018 The Salvation Army collected many second hand school uniforms and spent approximately £400 on school shoes and school specific uniforms. But I don’t believe that was enough. While the second hand clothes were useful they didn’t last long, school shoes rarely fitted and many schools require families to purchase clothing with school logos on. That’s why this year we’re aiming to raise £500 to buy new shoes for 10-15 children for families that need it the most, and with your help with any money raised above the £500 we would buy school specific uniforms (cardigans, jumpers). The school year is long; school uniform is expensive and needs to be good quality and long lasting.

What would you do if you were struggling with school uniform costs and could get no help from the council or friends and family?

For the last two years we have helped Ms T purchase school uniform for her older daughter. This year she will need even more support as her eldest child is starting secondary school at the same time as her younger child is starting reception. When asked, this is what she told us about this much needed help: 'Being a single parent on Universal Credit I would not be able to afford to get the uniforms. It’s a massive challenge. With your help I am able to send my girls to school with a smile on our face.'

Ms. S’s only daughter is going to Reception this September. She is an asylum seeker and has no recourse to public funds. She told us 'As asylum seekers we already have little to live on. School uniforms are a luxury when you get only £35 per week to survive. This will mean my child can be in school with uniforms like other children.'

Please help these children have the best possible start of school year.

Please help Ms T and Ms S and many more families by donating here!