A campaign is under way in East Devon to provide children from low-income homes with free uniforms and school supplies.
The project is being masterminded by Citizens Advice East Devon and is called Kit 4 Kids.
A spokesman said: “We know from our data how many families are struggling in East Devon and for them, we do what we can.
“Some 95 per cent of people accessing foodbanks are destitute, they can’t afford new or even second-hand uniforms.”
Struggling financially can happen to anyone and for all sorts of reasons. Some of the more common reasons are losing your job or working on reduced hours, becoming sick or disabled, relationship breakdown, or death of a loved one. Since the pandemic, the number of families needing support has increased enormously.
A Citizens Advice team leader said: “It's very harrowing sometimes talking to people who are very scared of the future. You never get used to people telling you of the dilemma they have whether to eat or heat.
“We know that families eventually accept that these are their choices - but they have no options at all when it comes to uniform. Children have to have it and parents and carers have to find the money for it.
“When budgets are stretched and children are hungry, behind every hungry child there is usually a starving adult and sometimes we forget this. Schools don't have the resources to provide free uniform, they too are financially stretched to the limit - so it is down to us as a community to get together and make a difference - it really is true, it does take a village to raise a child.”
For children growing up in households with significant financial worries, there is already the risk of low mental health as a result of being hungry, cold, and not having access to all the same things as friends and peers. Throw in bullying for being poor and it can have a real effect on a child’s self-esteem. This affects concentration levels and with that, their attainment at school. Simple steps like providing uniforms could help children stay engaged in the classroom and support the amazing work teachers and education professionals do.
Citizens Advice East Devon said they were working fast to be ready for September. They have asked the community to donate any unwanted uniforms or other items. They will repair, launder and give out to families who are struggling, no questions asked. Any items that are not salvageable will be used by one of their many crafters or donated to other clothing charities, with nothing going to waste.
Here is what is needed: uniforms, PE kits, shoes, bags, coats, hair clips, stationary, underwear, socks, toiletries and club uniforms such as Brownies and Scouts.
Only new underwear, socks and toiletries can be accepted. If you’d like to donate to the project, even a cash donation, Citizens Advice East Devon and those families will be grateful.
If you’d like to get involved, here’s how:
1. Dig out those old uniforms and get in touch with Citizens Advice East Devon
2. Please like / follow Citizens Advice East Devon on their social media channels. When you see posts about Kit 4 Kids (or any others you like) please share them with friends and family. The more people that know about this project the better.
3. Donate other items such as new underwear, socks and toiletries.
4. If you have connections to local businesses, please let them know to contact Citizens Advice East Devon if they’d like to help.