School uniform charity launches ‘Winter Coat’ campaign

Huddersfield charity, Uniform Exchange, has issued a plea for the donation of warm winter coats to support vulnerable children across Kirklees as the impact of the pandemic continues to take its toll on local families.

With 15,000 children in education in Kirklees living in poverty, the equivalent of 1 in 3 households, the charity anticipates greater demand for its services with many vulnerable families across Kirklees reaching crisis level as we head into the winter months.

To enable children to access classroom learning during the pandemic, measures introduced in schools include keeping windows open throughout the school day to minimise transmission of the virus, and with temperatures dropping, the need for adequate clothing is even more vital. Having access to a full school uniform and warm coat means a child’s attendance is much more likely to improve and allows them to focus on their learning.

Due to the current lockdown, many drop-off points are inaccessible at the current time, which is why the charity is encouraging schools, workplaces and community groups to organise collections which the charity will then distribute to families across Kirklees.

Kate France, Project Director at Uniform Exchange said; “It’s going to be extremely cold this winter and many children in our community are not ready for it. The past nine years have seen Uniform Exchange collect and distribute school uniform and coats to over 7,000 children in the local community, enabling them to go to school in the right clothing. We want to continue to support these children through these cold months by supplying them with winter coats, gloves, hats, scarves and underwear.

Having your support in these cold winter months will help us ensure all Kirklees children have access to coats and underwear and feel happier to attend school; allowing them to be warm, feel included and are more inclined to learn”.

Kate’s daughter Laana, aged 10 added: “I am really happy to be back at school, but I am so glad I have a warm coat as the classroom has really started to get cold with all the windows open”.

To get involved with the Winter Coat Project or to request a free coat contact, Kate, on 07955 724789 or email info@uniform-exchange.org

Alternatively, visit https://www.uniform-exchange.org/ to find out more about Uniform Exchange or to donate financially to support the organisation. All donations are currently being doubled until the end of January with Match it! funding, thanks to One Community.