A church and charity has launched a school uniform project in a bid to give struggling families support when the cost of new school uniforms are out of reach for many.

The Salvation Army in Oldham Fitton Hill has launched its Uniform Hub to meet demand ahead of the new school year and is in urgent need of donations.  

School trousers, skirts, shirts and polo tops in any size are welcome in both pre-loved and new condition as well as branded uniform for the three main schools in the area; St Martin’s, Holy Rosary and Medlock Valley schools. 

The Salvation Army profiles the uniform exchange as an affordable, cost effective and sustainable alternative to throwing away clothing, whilst also encouraging the recycling of old uniform.. 

Kim Rogers, family worker at The Salvation Army at Oldham Fitton Hill said: “It’s becoming increasingly hard for people to keep up with day-to-day expenses and having to buy new school uniforms each year can be very costly, stretching family finances. There just isn’t the disposable income anymore that there used to be and some families can have three and four children to clothe for the new school year. 

“People now have to choose where to spend their money; on necessities like food, to keep children fed, or household energy. We recognise those struggles and want to ease those financial pressures by offering key uniform staples, but we need the local communities help to make that happen and make a difference. All uniform items in a good, pre-loved or new condition are welcome and will go a long way to helping a family that is living in crisis or on the verge of being pushed even further into poverty.” 

Initially the hub will operate on a referral basis offering the basics like shirts, polo tops, trousers and skirts, but also carry extras such as sportswear, blazers and jumpers. Referrals can be obtained from social services, health visitors and schools.  

Key colours for the local schools include: 

• Red, royal blue and green jumpers 
• Grey school pants and/or skirts 
• Yellow, light blue and white polo shirts 

Uniform items can be dropped off to The Salvation Army in Fitton Hill located at The Brew on Fir Tree Precinct. 

For people looking to support but have no school uniform to contribute, financial donations of any size are also welcome, but people are encouraged to only give what they can afford. Donations can be made via The Salvation Army Oldham Fitton Hill’s Just Giving page; www.justgiving.com/oldham-fitton-hill-the-salvation-army-uniformhub.  

Kim added: “We just want to do our best for the local community and through the Uniform Hub we are able to support families in our area in this way, which is at the very heart of what The Salvation Army do. We wouldn’t be able to run it without the generous and kind donations, and this is a key example of others helping others which is what the Christian message inspires us to do.” 

The Uniform Hub is run by The Salvation Army and staffed by volunteers.