Free Uniform & Essentials Drive for Families

Join us for a FREE back-to-school community event offering uniform packages, breakfast packs, Hair Braiding Workshop + 360 Photo Booth, learning & resource and the opportunity to sign up for our 5-week wellbeing workshop series for families. Open to 50 families in the borough—register now to secure your pack!

Full Event Description:

Support & Thrive: Uniform & Essentials Drive

📅 Date: Saturday, August 30th, 2025

🕘 Time: 12:00 PM– 4:00 PM

📍 Location: Barking Learning Centre: Learning Centre, 2 Town Sq, Barking IG11 7NB

Who Can Attend: Low-income families, single parents, and Barking & Dagenham borough residents.

Get your child school-ready this August!We understand that times are tough. That’s why we’re helping families start the school year strong—with dignity, confidence, and support. Our one-day Uniform & Essentials Drive is your chance to receive:

✅ Free School Uniform Packages (ages 5–13)✅ Breakfast Food Packs✅ Information on local support services✅ Sign-up opportunity for our 5-week Support & Thrive Families Wellbeing Series

✅ Positive Parenting Skills Workshop

✅Employment Support & Advice

✅Arts & Crafts Corner

✅Hair Braiding Workshop + 360 Photo Booth

✅Learning & Resource Area

📌 IMPORTANT: Uniform packs are limited to 50 families, so early registration is essential. Please complete the short form.

[Google Form link: https://forms.gle/TTTbYbF2D3NNXZsp7] to reserve your family’s pack.

Why This Event Matters:

“No child should have to worry about what they’re wearing on their first day back to school.”

This initiative is part of our wider mission to uplift families, reduce financial stress, and provide a stronger start through access to essentials and emotional support.

Our Research On School Uniform Expense Strain:

• A national study by The Children’s Society found that parents of secondary school children spend an average of £422 per year on uniforms, and primary school items cost around £287 .

• In Barking & Dagenham, families are more affected: the borough ranks among the highest in England for needing uniform support.

• Nearly ½ of children in Barking & Dagenham live in poverty, making even one uniform a financial stretch for many families .

Our Research On Hunger & Breakfast Insecurity

• A council survey revealed that 57% of residents skip meals, and 27% have gone a full day without eating due to cost pressures Barking and Dagenham.

• Barking & Dagenham currently participates in the National School Breakfast Club Programme, with five local schools already receiving funding to offer free breakfasts to children.

In our borough, child poverty is high, and families are being forced to choose between school essentials and food for their children. Uniform costs of up to £400 per child and frequent meal skipping due to financial hardship show the urgency of intervention.

How This Supports Our Campaign

• Uniform packages will free up to £400 per child in household expenses.
• Healthy breakfast packs will ensure children start the school day nourished—reducing hunger, improving concentration, and reducing stress for parents.

These statistics underscore the importance of supporting families with uniform and breakfast packs—creating immediate relief and contributing to better educational outcomes and emotional wellbeing.