A Kirklees charity has launched a project to provide local children in poverty with winter coats. Uniform Exchange, a charity which operates in Huddersfield, supports struggling families to access school uniforms for their children.

The charity has issued a plea for donations of children’s second-hand winter coats, and promises that all coats suitable for wearing to school will be given to a child in need in the Kirklees area. School uniform grants have been cut by 70% in the UK since 2010, leaving many families unable to afford uniforms for their children. In partnership with the Local Sure Start Childrenʼs Centre, and with support from Kirklees council, Uniform Exchange collects unwanted uniforms and gets them to the children who need them, free of charge.

An estimated 15,000 children live in poverty in Kirklees, the equivalent of 1 in 3 households. The charity anticipates increased demand for its services this winter. Ensuring that all children have school uniforms and a warm winter coat means that their school attendance is less likely to fall during the colder months.

Kate France, Project Director of Uniform Exchange, commented:

It’s going to be extremely cold this winter, and many children in our community are not ready for it. The past nine years have seen Uniform Exchange collect and distribute school uniforms and coats to over 9,000 children in the local community, enabling them to go to school in the proper clothing. We want to continue to support these children through these cold months by supplying them with winter coats, gloves, hats, scarves and underwear.

Having your support in these cold winter months will help us ensure that all Kirklees children have access to coats and underwear and feel happier to attend school; allowing them to be warm, feel included and more inclined to learn.

To get involved with the Winter Coat Project or to request a free coat, contact the Uniform Exchange team on 07955 724789 or email info@uniform-exchange.org Alternatively, visit uniform-exchange.org to find out more about Uniform Exchange or to donate financially to support the charity.