Salford Citizens Advice

Help with School Uniforms:

At this time of year, planning and saving for school uniforms is starting to become an issue for families. In Salford there are a number of schemes that can help with keeping the costs down, and we run a school uniform help service for families in Salford.

Salford Citizens Advice School Uniform Service:

We can help you to access schemes available in Salford that support families with school uniforms. We run this every year, and expect to help over 300 families. We will see if there is a scheme for you and your family, as well as make all necessary referrals to the provider. We will also be happy to do a benefits check for you to make sure you are getting all the help you are entitled to. We can also let you know about other ways you might be able to get help throughout the rest of the year, such as by joining one of Salford local weekly food clubs, or the credit union.

To speak to one of our school’s uniform service staff just call: 07494498703 or 07494498678 (We can call you back); or email: healthyholidays@citizensadvicesalford.org.uk

Wood Street Mission:

Families need to be referred for help by a ‘professional (who) is aware of their circumstances’.

“The scheme looks to support low-income families who are in need … Many of the families using the scheme will be on a means tested benefit such as universal Credit, Income Support or Income Based Job Seekers Allowance”.

“Others will struggle on low wages and irregular work hours or not be able to access the benefits system. We would consider a family in need if they cannot provide essential items for their children. This could also be due to benefit sanctions or changes, or having no recourse to public funds, domestic violence or relationship breakdown, unstainable debt, additional costs due to disability or ill-health, or other crisis.”

Wood Street Mission supports families in Salford and Manchester. Once on their scheme you will be offered help each year you remain eligible. They will also be able to offer help with bedding, books, and school equipment throughout the year.

Emmaus School uniform Hub:

“Stocks a wide range of school uniform, PE clothing … As well as good quality pre-owned items, the hub also has stocks of new clothes.”

The school uniform hub also has footwear – provided by another charity.

You can access the school uniform hub, which is based near Salford Precinct, by arranging a referral with us, or your school. Once a referral is made, you will be contacted, and an appointment made for you to visit the hub – in keeping with Covid safety rules.

Finally,

There are also a number of smaller local schemes for particular families so it’s always worth arranging to speak to one of our advisers. 

You might also want to watch out for our Christmas Toy support scheme later in the year!

Tom Togher

May 12, 2021.