Kent uniform bank now helping working families and professionals

A food bank that offers free school uniforms has said that full time and self-employed professionals are among those relying on its support.

The Community Cupboard in Kent has begun offering pre-loved school uniforms to local families during the school holidays.

The volunteer-run service provides food supplies and support to families struggling to make ends meet from its West Kingsdown and Swanley sites.

“We’re still seeing lots of working families, it’s not just those that aren’t working,” founder Tracey Wood said.

Wood said that the charity, that has been running for seven years, helped “a lot of teachers, teaching assistants, a lot of hospital staff, self-employed”.

“The money they have each month coming in is what’s going out so once something goes wrong – be it the car, the washing machine – it just tips them over,” she said.

The teaching assistant added: “Although I’m paid throughout the summer, it’s still it’s not enough to pay for something every single day.”

Laura, a full-time carer for her husband and children, said: “You don’t get any help, and this is the only place we come to for help.”

Her children would have to wear uniforms too small for them without the uniform bank, she said.

“Or I’d have to try and ask the school for more help,” she added.