Herts uniform bank prepares for an increase in demand
The uniform bank is for anyone struggling to afford school clothes
A uniform bank in Hertfordshire says it's expecting to see in a rise in demand for its services as the cost of living crisis worsens.
The bank is based out of Letchworth Garden City Church and is open to anyone who is struggling to afford uniform for their children, particularly with the start of term just weeks away.
Whilst the programme has been running for five years, it was severely impacted by the pandemic and only now are the team hoping to get back to being open on a monthly basis, rather than ad hoc as it has been more recently.
Dani Johnston is Community Pastor at the church and also runs the uniform bank. She thinks the cost of living crisis is going to lead to more people needing their help.
"We're going to see more and more demand"
She said, "with the state of our financial climate, providing uniforms for children is ever more difficult and I think with the recent changes in energy prices and bills, we're going to see more and more demand."
But she also stressed that there's lots of support available and there's no shame in needing a hand.
"The need is there and we're talking about the need but there's a lot of people that aren't accessing the opportunities that are out there in the community."
She added, "one thing I'd like to say, and just really encourage, is for people to use what's out there in the community. We have got a food bank that really wants to help families, we've got a uniform bank, and we've got other organisations out there too."
"It all costs so much money"
A mum of a three using the uniform bank said a recent wage reduction for her husband has meant they're struggling to afford things.
When asked what's difficult about buying school uniform she said, "the price of the school jumpers in secondary schools, the fact they have to wear shoes and not boots, and that everything has to be certain style. It all costs so much money."
The uniform bank regularly updates its Facebook page with opening dates and times. This month, their doors will be open on:
- Monday 22nd August between 2:30-4:30pm
- Tuesday 30th August between 2:30-4:30pm
Reflecting on her hopes for the future, Ms. Johnston said, "I would love to see that every school is running a uniform bank, but also family and child that needs a uniform is able to walk to school with a really nice one. Not just the next year but actually over their lifetime."