A ‘pop-up’ shop offering a free service to kit out the city’s children for school has opened its doors in the city centre for the summer – helping 175 families in its first week.
The Uniform Store opened at the end of July and will be open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in New George Street between Tesco and MenKind throughout the summer holidays.
More than 500 families used the service last summer and people were queuing right up New George Street on the opening day.
“There were queues past Tesco all morning with people waiting to get in,” said Arthur Goode from Vineyard Church who joined forces with the Redeemer Church Plymouth team to open the shop for a third summer running.
“One of our volunteers came into the team room on the first afternoon almost in tears – touched by how amazing he felt being able to help these families.
“Anyone can use the shop and anyone can donate – it is free of charge to all regardless of circumstances, although some wish to give money towards the running of the store, which we welcome,” explained Arthur.
“For example one mother of three said she could afford to pay something for what she had received, just not the £300 it takes on average to buy new for a single child, so she popped a tenner in the box as she left.
“When we began this in the lockdown we expected the need to tail off a bit in the post-covid world. Instead what we have seen is it increasing fourfold or more.
“Whilst we are chuffed that it is going so well and serving so many people, I think we would prefer there not to be that need in the first place.”
Plymouth’s Lord Mayor Sue Dann attended the opening and paid tribute to the volunteers who run the shop and sort and clean the uniform.
“This is a much needed resource for families who are struggling to kit out their children ready for the new term in September,” said Cllr Dann.
“It really was a pleasure to catch up with the volunteers who made it happen.”
Local MP Luke Pollard also visited the shop on its first day, he said it was ‘heart-breaking’ to see more and more families struggling to afford uniforms for their children.
“The Uniform Store are not only helping the environment by recycling school uniform they’re providing a lifeline for hundreds of families in our city,” said Luke.
“They’re showing the very best of Plymouth generosity and public service.”
Arthur has plans for what the future of the Uniform Store might look like and he believes the project needs “a permanent high street presence”.
“That way we can tackle the other needs families have around schooling, parenting and community support. We are connected to a number of other charitable projects seeking the same thing – wouldn’t it be good to have a one-stop solution we could all share?” said Arthur.
“A community department store perhaps? Watch this space…”
The Uniform Store is open from 10am to 3pm every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in August at 35 New George Street.
