By Greg Dawson
Uniform Exchange, a charity based in Lockwood have seen demand for its services rise in the last two years.
This surge in demand could be due to new figures which state child poverty is on the rise, research showing more than 36.2% of youngsters in Huddersfield are living with families with a lower than 60% average income. This is a lot more than the national figure which sits at 27%.
(Figures from End Child Poverty)
Kate France is the director of the project which has been a success in recycling quality uniforms to local children who cannot afford them, helping reduce the risk of vulnerable children being bullied.
The charity says its not just warm jumpers and trousers than families are needing but essentials like underwear, socks and tights. Pupils from 181 schools are provided for by The Uniform Exchange which help supply all standard uniforms and clothing.
In 2017 the charity received over 600 requests for help with clothing a, in 2018 the numbers increased to 800 and this year they say they are on track for helping 1,200 children.
Kate said “I have even seen more and more requests for socks, tights, pants and vests. I can’t believe that families haven’t got the basics, and I find this really sad. Fortunately, we can offer some much needed help.”
One Community, the Kirklees Community Foundation, supports Uniform Exchange as well as other local organisations through grant funding.
For more information on their work see www.one-community.org.uk