Edinburgh School Uniform Bank has launched their Summer appeal for donations

Edinburgh Uniform School Bank (ESUB) has launched their Summer drive for funding in order to be able to provide young people with access to school uniforms.

Let us know what you think and join the conversation at the bottom of this article.

The campaign launched on June 2 and encourages members of the public to donate funds or a school pack for young people going back to school in Autumn.

Uniform poverty is a major driver of children missing school.

Either they or their parents feel that it is embarrassing that they cannot afford the correct items of uniform - so choose not to attend.

The chair of ESUB has said that attendance at school is vitally important for education but also that the pandemic has shown us the importance of school for staying active and socialising.

ESUB has several options for helping out: first of all you can contact ESUB if you would like to personally buy a pack for one of their anonymous young individuals; to visit the Virgin donate page to support the cause; or alternatively you can sponsor a young person kit for £40.

It is understood that a lot of those donating a full pack enjoy going out and shopping for the items for the young person. When shopping you are given sizes and a list of items that you need to secure - the process is said to be extremely rewarding.

Sponsor a child.

Julia Grindley, chair of the ESUB, said: “We distribute bespoke packs of new school uniforms to hundreds of Edinburgh families each year, as well as supplying nearly-new uniforms to schools and community groups. Unfortunately, the need for our services is growing fast.

“There are a number of families who never dreamt of being in a position where they cannot afford uniforms but in the modern age you are only ever one missed pay cheque away from disaster.

“By supporting our work, you can help a wee one feel included, enabling them to fit in with their classmates. You can be the difference between a teenager attending school and engaging with their education or staying away. You can give a child the confidence to work hard in the classroom and take part in activities, instead of fretting about not having a gym kit.”

Since the charity was launched in 2015 it has kitted out 3,885 children.

School uniform pack

To support please visit: edinburghuniform.org

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