Charity expands help with uniforms from 12 to 24 schools

A charity is to double the number of children and schools that it helps with uniforms, shoes and PE kits by the end of the year.

Pelican Parcels plans to expand its School Uniform Project from 12 schools last year to 24 by the end of 2026, with demand increasing from families, schools and referral partners across Brighton and Hove.

The project includes not just uniforms, shoes and PE kits but stationery and age-appropriate books too.

Last year, the charity gifted more than 3,400 school uniform items to 520 children, helping them to start the school year with the essentials that they needed to feel confident alongside their peers.

The children’s charity is now calling on local residents, schools, community groups and businesses to donate good-quality school uniform items or make financial contributions so that it can meet demand from new school partners before the new school year begins.

One volunteer, Jane Fendley, a former primary school head, said: “During the 14 years I worked as a head teacher at a local school, we had families having to make decisions such as: do we pay for basics? Do we pay for fuel? Do we pay for food? Or do I try to get this uniform in?

“I could see there was a weight lifted from their shoulders after learning about the support from Pelican Parcels.”

The average cost of a primary school uniform has been estimated to be about £340, with household budgets remaining under pressure and many families struggling to afford essential items.

Pelican Parcels is asking families to donate clean, good-quality, unbranded school uniform items for children aged 4 to 11.

The charity is particularly seeking

• white or sky-blue polo shirts
• black or grey trousers and shorts
• black or grey skirts and pinafores
• gingham dresses
• school jumpers and cardigans
• black or navy PE shorts or jogging bottoms
• white PE T-shirts
• grey or black socks
• grey or black tights

The charity added: “Financial donations are also urgently needed and help the charity respond to rising local demand, reach more schools and ensure more children can start the school year with everything they need.

“Pelican Parcels also supports families with children aged 0 to 16 with everyday essentials such as clothing, baby items, beds, toys, books and toiletries.

Donations can be dropped off at the Pelican Warehouse, Units 1-2 Manor Industrial Estate, Newtown Road, Hove, BN3 7BA, from 10am to 2pm from Monday to Thursday and from 10am to 12 noon on the last Saturday of every month.

To make a financial donation or to find out more, click here.

The charity is urging residents, schools, community groups and local businesses to get involved and help to ensure no child starts the school year without the essentials they need.