Free school uniform 'pop-up' to ease cost of new term

"Our aim is to have a good stock of pre-loved uniform pieces that parents can have for free," says Castle Quarter's Gemma Hyde

A shopping centre has appealed for unwanted school uniforms so it can get the clothes to families who need it.

Castle Quarter, in Norwich, wants to create a "central hub" of pre-loved uniforms for those struggling with the cost of school clothes.

Gemma Hyde, the centre's marketing and administration manager, thanked "generous" people who had already made donations, but said more are needed.

She said the centre had received hundreds of items, and is now planning an event called the "given in kindness pop-up", where people can collect them for free.

'They outgrow clothes so quickly'

Ms Hyde, 39, said: "Buying new uniform every year is a big expense for any parent, so we wanted to reduce some of that pressure."

She said some parents had told her they were embarrassed to use schools' own "swap-shops", so she decided to do something to help.

She said the hub will be easy for parents to get to - and will have uniforms from schools across the city.

Gemma Hyde sorting out some of the school clothes that have already been donated

"Children outgrow clothes so quickly," Ms Hyde said. "This helps stop the clothes going into landfill.

"I have eight nieces and nephews, so I have first-hand experience."

As she donated a bag of school dresses, Ann said she had collected them from her work colleagues.

She said it was important for children to "have what they need to be able to attend school".

Ann added: "Why not try and help your local community and give back to them?"

Castle Quarter, in Castle Meadow, has donation collection bins. Clothes can also be handed in at the management office between 09:00 and 17:00 Monday-Friday.

Details of when the pop-up event will be held are yet to be announced.