Volunteers give away 100 free school prom dresses

Those who receive the donated outfits can choose to either keep or return them

A group in West Sussex which gives away school prom outfits says it has provided almost 100 dresses and 50 suits to students so far this year.

Prom Dreams, which started in Brighton in 2019, opened in Warnham in May after being given a temporary site in an empty care home.

Emma Green, who started the annual initiative, was not sure she would be able to run the project before being offered the site by Splendid Healthcare.

"Our aim is to help families and make it more affordable to get the perfect prom outfit with [the] same experience as going to a prom shop," she said on her fundraising page.

'So grateful'

People can receive their free dress or suit by booking an appointment with the team, who will finish for the year once the prom season ends in late July.

Previously Ms Green worked with schools who would refer families to her. Now she is giving dresses and suits to anyone who books an appointment.

The clothes are donated and those who receive the outfits can choose to either keep or return them.

“You can tell that some of the families that come are so grateful. It’s very rewarding.”

Prom Dreams started in Brighton in 2019

The mother-of-two said she gave away clothes for any celebration and even helped one person with a wedding dress.

Prom Dreams had a temporary site in Horsham in 2022 and 2023, but Ms Green is unsure what the future holds.

“I guess we will just have to wait and see for next year what we can get," she said.