Are you already starting to worry about how to afford new school uniforms and equipment in time for the start of the new term?
Torfaen Council is holding three Thrifty school uniform shop and swap sessions:
- Wednesday 14 August, 3pm – 5pm, at Bethlehem Chapel, Blaenavon.
- Tuesday 20 August, 10am – 12pm at Cwmbran Centre for Young People
- Wednesday 21 August, 10am – 12pm at Pontypool Indoor Market
As well as good quality, pre-loved uniforms, other school essentials and stationery will be on offer, all free of charge.
Parents are encouraged to bring along their unwanted items their children have grown out of to swap for larger sizes.
You can donate items ahead of the swap events at the following locations:
- Blaenavon Heritage Centre, Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 4pm.
- Circulate, Blaenavon Unit 14, Gilchrist Thomas Industrial Estate, Blaenavon, Pontypool NP4 9RL – Monday – Friday 9am to 4pm
- Citizens Advice, Portland Buildings, Commercial Street, Pontypool. Monday – Friday 9:30pm – 4:30pm
- Costar, 2 Fairwater Cl, Fairwater, Cwmbran NP44 4TA. Monday – Thursday, 10am – 3pm, Friday 9:30pm – 1:30pm
- Eastern Valley Foodbank, Unit 5, Pavillion Industrial Estate, Pontnewynydd, NP4 6NF – Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9am to 1pm
- Garnsychan Partnership, 55 Stanley Rd, Abersychan, NP4 7LH – Monday – Friday 9:30am – 4pm
- Hill City Church, Freeholdland Road, Pontnewynydd – Monday 6-7pm, Wednesday 1pm – 3pm, Thursday 11am – 2pm.
- TRAC2, Trevethin shops Shop 2, Church Ave, Trevethin, Pontypool. Monday to Friday, 9am – 4pm.
All donations need to be in good, clean condition and must be delivered to a drop off point by 5pm on Monday 12 August 2024.
There will be several agencies present on the day to offer further support, including the council’s employability teams and Citizens Advice Torfaen, who will offer financial, employment and well being advice and support.
Furthermore, applications for the Welsh Government School Essentials Grant have reopened and may be available to help with uniform, sports kit and equipment.
You can check your eligibility by visiting https://www.gov.wales/get-help-school-costs
Cllr Fiona Cross, Torfaen Council’s executive member for communities, said: “As a council, we are committed to supporting our community in every way possible, especially during these challenging times. The Thrifty school uniform shop and swap sessions are a fantastic initiative that not only help families save money but also promote the important values of reuse, reduce, and recycle.
“By encouraging the exchange of good quality, pre-loved uniforms and school essentials, we are taking significant steps towards reducing waste and fostering a more sustainable future.