By Editor Paul Gibson
Parents who are finding it difficult to buy school uniforms for their children this winter are being supported by an initiative in Hailsham run by volunteers.
Based in a brand new location at the Hailsham Gospel Mission Church in Station Road, Action Community Together have a well-stocked room full of items of uniform which has been donated by other parents — it’s steamed cleaned, prepared and offered to anyone who needs it in the town.
The dramatic rise in the cost of living over the past few months has seen a massive increase in the use of foodbanks, and for some, this means some tough decisions are being made within a household to be able to afford food, heating and fuel.
Every schoolchild deserves to be smart when going to school, therefore the uniform bank is offering a vital, non-means-tested service open for all.
Volunteer Alison Holloway told Hailsham News: “We have people from local communities, people from Ukraine, Syria, all needing uniform visit us. With the cost-of-living crisis, things have got busier but then we’ve some amazing donations from other people which is a great help.”
She added: “We used to be based at Furniture Now in the High Street which we are extremely grateful for, but now we have our own place here in Station Road that we’ve decorated and are being well looked after by the church.”
The uniform bank mainly stocks blazers, sweatshirts, polo shirts, white shirts, ties, dresses, trousers, skirts, shorts, school shoes and PE kits, but does not offer other items of clothing — but it does have a winter coat rack for those who really need them.
During opening hours, it is manned by volunteers and a call is going out to anyone who might be able to spare some time. Alison added: “The service is only viable if we have people to help run it. We can get very busy, so we’d love to hear from anyone who is able to help out.”
Residents can visit the centre on Tuesdays between 10am-3:30pm, Wednesdays 1pm-3:30pm and Thursdays between 9am-12:30.
Facebook is a vital resource for the group as they use the social media channel for ‘shout outs’. If an item of clothing is urgently required, then a call is made in the hope someone will have it available. Search for ‘Action Community Together’ on Facebook and hit the like button. The team can also be contacted by emailing actioncommunitytogether@gmail.com.
