'Life-changing' clothes bank could shut over costs

More than 8,000 children have been given free uniforms by Hartlepool ReLoved Clothing since January 2023

A clothes bank described as "life-changing" has warned it could close over running costs.

Hartlepool ReLoved Clothing was originally set up to help families finding it hard to pay for school uniforms, but has since expanded to offer free donated clothes to children and adults, giving out 52,000 items since January 2023.

Co-founder Natalie Frankland said £23,000 was needed for things like rent and utilities.

"Without these funds, we face the heartbreaking reality of losing ReLoved Clothing as early as January 2025," she said.

Ms Frankland recalled two children who were referred by their school to receive emergency uniform.

"The joy on their faces was priceless," she said.

She said one boy's shoes was "completely worn out, with holes in the soles, barely holding together".

The boy was given a new pair, and other items of clothing.

"He could finally walk with confidence again," Ms Frankland said.

The parents later told her the support had been "life-changing".

"They could redirect the little money they had towards food and heating, and their children no longer felt different from their peers," she said.

Ms Frankland recalled a school boy who received new shoes after his old pair had holes in the soles

Funds were needed to secure a safe and accessible location to store, sort, and distribute clothing, Ms Frankland said.

The clothes bank was running out of space to handle the volume of donations, and to cope with the footfall, she said.

More than 8,267 children have accessed free uniforms since January 2023.

Ms Frankland said: "The thought of shutting our doors, turning away families in desperate need, and halting the incredible work we do fills me with an overwhelming sense of sadness and frustration."