Trafford Centre launches school uniform donation drive

Trafford Centre has partnered with Manchester South Central Foodbank and local charity Bridging the Gap to launch a school uniform donation drive aimed at supporting over 700 children across Manchester this summer.

According to a 2020 survey by The Children’s Society, 23% of parents reported that the cost of school uniforms led to their children wearing “ill-fitting, unclean, or incorrect” items, highlighting the ongoing pressure faced by families.

From 1 July to 15 August, customers are encouraged to donate new or pre-loved school uniforms at Trafford Centre’s Guest Services Lounge, located on Lower Regent Crescent (next to M&S). Donated items must be clean and free from stains or damage.

Simon Layton, Centre Director at Trafford Centre, said: “We’re proud to be working alongside Bridging the Gap and Manchester South Central Foodbank to support local families during these challenging times. School uniforms shouldn’t be a barrier to education, and we hope this initiative will ease some of the pressure many parents face as the new school year approaches.”

Emily Jeremy, Assistant Project Manager at Manchester South Central Foodbank, added: “The cost-of-living crisis has deeply impacted our community, with more and more families unable to afford the essentials. As an anti-poverty charity, we recognized the need for school uniform support years ago. Though costs vary between schools, a full set of branded secondary school uniform can total around £150 – a significant burden for many households.”