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To support parents with the on-going costs of School Uniforms and Stationery supplies, our Council and partners have restarted the School Uniform Project. Across the Region, anyone who is able, is being asked to make donations of school uniforms and stationery for families in need. This could be uniforms which your own families may have grown out or don’t wear anymore or alternatively, some very generous residents are buying an extra item of uniform or stationery and donating these while shopping for their own children and young people.
There are a variety of drop off points across the region where these items can be donated, and these are all listed below:
- Tesco Metro, Stranraer
- Community Reuse Shop, Stranraer
- Re:Loved Clothing, Stranraer
- Newton Stewart Initiative Community Shop, Newton Stewart
- Wilko, Castle Douglas
- The 3rs Horse Rescue Charity Shop, King Street, Castle Douglas
- Summerhill Community Centre, Dumfries
- The Hub, 24-26 Friars Vennel, Dumfries
- River of Life Church, Railway Station, Dumfries
- Action for Children, Kelloholm
- Newstart Recycle, Annan
Families can then call in at the various locations to browse through the donated goods to see if there is anything that would be suitable for them and whatever they wish to take, they can take home for free. For families who may not be able to access the Collection Points, there is also an additional option to order Free Uniform and Stationery Items online which are then delivered to their home addresses. All the collection Points are listed below:
- Re:Loved Clothing, Stranraer
- The 3rs Horse Rescue Charity Shop, King Street, Castle Douglas
- Summerhill Community Centre, Dumfries
- Action for Children, Kelloholm
- Newstart Recycle, Annan
This Project removes the stigma of free uniforms as all of the collection locations are used for a variety of supporting mechanisms and therefore no one will know that anyone calling in is there to collect items of additional school clothing.
In addition to the various collection points located throughout the Region, Free School Uniform Events will also take place in each locality. Families can attend these to pick up any items they need for the new school term and there will also be local hairdressers in attendance giving free hair trims to ensure all the children and young people are looking their best for their return to school in August. Further details of the dates and times for these will be announced shortly.
Speaking about the Project, Chair of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Communities Committee, Andy Ferguson, said;
“This Council is committed to providing support to families who we know may be struggling at this time. This can be a worrying time of the year for parents who are facing the costs of the new school term. Having to pay for new uniforms, school bags, stationery and other costs can really add up. I’m so pleased that we are relaunching the School Uniform Project as it will make a real difference to those parents who are concerned about budgeting to help to cover the costs for these items.”
Councillor John Martin, Vice Chair of Communities Committee stated;
“This project is about supporting parents who need our help, not judging them. That is why we have identified pick up points in the heart of our communities and removed any stigma attached to collecting these items. The COVID-19 pandemic has left local families with increased financial pressures and this project will help to alleviate some of the stress related to this. We have had incredible support for this project from the community in previous years and knowing the generosity of our residents within Dumfries and Galloway, I’m sure this year will result in similar numbers of donations being received.”
Councillor Jeff Leaver, Chair of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Education and Learning Committee stated;
“Our Council has a duty to become involved at grass roots level and take responsibility to help those most in need which we know we have continued to complete since the introduction of our first Anti-Poverty Strategy. This project will help make a difference to those who need our support and ensure that children and young people will have the necessary uniform and stationery in August.”
Councillor Ros Surtees, Vice Chair of Education and Learning Committee said;
“The Free School Uniform project has been a lifeline for families in need and it is great to this being expanded throughout the region to include School Uniform events. Families will be able to choose the clothes they need as well as access free ‘back to school’ haircuts. As we all know, children don’t just grow at one point during the year and the versatility of this project in that items can be collected throughout the year provides a huge comfort to families who are struggling with costs through no fault of their own.”
