The escalating cost of school uniforms and PE kits is proving a substantial worry for families throughout Lincolnshire. Many parents are finding these charges increasingly ‘exorbitant’ and ‘unreasonable’. In answer to these growing strains, Michael Morris, founder of a health and well-being charity in Lincolnshire, has established a uniform swap-shop at Boston Youth Hub.
The insight that a number of families are grappling with financial woes led Michael Morris to create this initiative. The swap-shop permits parents to trade in uniforms that their children have outgrown, ensuring these garments are put to beneficial use instead of being consigned to waste disposal. Morris said, “The notion is that many kids outgrow their uniforms while they’re still in good condition. So, why not repurpose them? By reusing them instead of throwing them away, other families can put them to good use.”
This venture is a godsend for many, affording a method to alleviate some of the fiscal stress tied to the cost of school uniforms. In addition, local authorities, such as North Lincolnshire Council, are offering grants to aid parents in meeting these costs. Although the government has plans to revise the law to reduce the compulsory branded uniform items, local operations like the uniform swap-shop are already making a perceivable difference to families in Lincolnshire.
This article was adapted by The Lincoln Post, based on original reporting from www.bbc.com.
