Families impacted by the cost of living crisis can get free school uniforms at an event running this week.

From Wednesday, August 20, until September 2, people can get new and high-quality second-hand school uniform items free of charge at an event at Whitehawk Library.

The project, called Smarter Uniform, an innovative uniform reuse scheme for families that are feeling the impact of the cost-of-living crisis, will offer generic uniform items and branded garments from local primary and secondary schools.

Pelican Parcels, a charity supporting disadvantaged people in Brighton and Hove, is also involved.

The pop-up is open from 10am to 5pm every day.

As well as helping families access free school uniforms at the pop-up event, Smarter Uniforms is helping to reduce unnecessary textile waste in Brighton & Hove by keeping items in use for as long as possible.

Councillor Lucy Helliwell, who co-chairs the children, families and schools committee, said: “Smarter Uniforms’ free pop-up event will offer valuable support to parents and carers as they prepare for the start of the new school year. 

“Not only will this initiative ease the financial burden this time of year places on many families, but it also supports our city-wide shift towards a circular economy by reducing waste, keeping products and materials in use for longer and protecting natural resources.”

Smarter Uniforms is also helping parents and carers to make money by selling their unwanted and outgrown school uniform items through its online marketplace. More information about the marketplace can be found on the Smarter Uniforms website.  

Last year, Smarter Uniforms distributed over 7,500 school uniform items to families in the city. 

Anna McDevitt, community outreach and project co-ordinator at Smarter Uniforms, said: “Our online marketplace is a place where anyone can buy and sell local school uniform items. It’s easy to use and a great way for people to earn some extra money this summer whilst stopping unwanted uniforms from being thrown away and creating waste.”