School uniform swap shops well-received

Parents in Newport have saved hundreds of pounds thanks to uniform swaps organised with the Gwent Working Families team.

More than 150 jumpers, 50 coats, 30 blazers and various shirts, gym shorts and tops have been given away to families at Bettws Resilient Communities Hub to support parents needing uniforms for Newport High School and Monnow Primary.

Natalie Green, Working Families Team Leader said: “The cost of a school uniform can run into hundreds for a first-year student needing everything, and if you already have children in school, it is an especially costly time.

“The coats and blazers have been particularly well-received, which is not surprising given they are among the most expensive to buy.

Two uniform swaps have been held so far with another planned for the New Year.

Natalie continued: “Bettws Resilient Communities Hub have helped massively, being a fantastic base and storing the uniforms.

“Shelly from Linc Cymru has also been instrumental in identifying where uniforms could be gathered from and delivering them to families who couldn’t make the swap days.

“Thank you to all our partners.”

Working Families is delivered by United Welsh, Tai Calon, Monmouthshire Housing, Newport City Homes, Charter Housing and Linc Cymru with funding from Big Lottery Fund Wales.

The Working Families team was setup to support working families in Newport, Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly and Monmouthshire to improve their quality of life.

The team creates and supports community initiatives to support working families who may be experiencing issues with having enough money to support the family and pay bills; debt; childcare; secure employment; training and more.