School uniform swap shop scheme opens for second year

A uniform swap shop scheme that organisers say has saved three tonnes of clothes from landfill has opened for its second year.

Families can use 14 stores across North West Leicestershire to recycle old uniforms and collect used items for free.

Parents said the project had helped them save on uniform costs.

Helen Crouch, who came up with the idea, said it could help families cope with "overwhelming" clothing prices.

The scheme, which the district council said won the Let's Recycle Award for Excellence in Recycling and Waste Management this year, will run throughout the summer holidays until at least 2 September.

Catherine Lofthouse, who uses the scheme for her children, said she would usually spend up to £200 per student on uniform costs.

"It's been absolutely brilliant," she said. "I've worked it out and I have saved about £120 so far.

"With a blazer and a tie and sports kit - it all adds up."

The scheme first launched in 2023 and has been set up in 14 Co-op stores across the district.

Although the "swap shops" will accept donations throughout the summer, parents do not have to bring old uniforms along to be able to take other items.

Ms Crouch, food poverty officer at North West Leicestershire District Council, said: "Many people hand uniforms on to family and friends, but this scheme helps people to swap with a much bigger pool of people.

"It brings the sometimes overwhelming cost of school uniforms down for families in a way that feels good.

"With food and holidays, we know there are a lot of expenses for parents and school uniforms are a massive one.

"Because of that, they were choosing between food and uniforms."

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