FTCT Back To School Campaign

11/09/2024

FTCT raises over £3,566 with Back to School campaign

A young boy's mum knelt down in the hallway straightening his tie

Industry charity, the Fashion & Textile Children’s Trust (FTCT), has raised over £3,566 with its Back to School campaign, which will be used immediately to support study essentials for children from UK fashion and textile families.

Throughout the campaign, FTCT partnered with several British fashion and textile companies committed to supporting the initiative, including Ralph Lauren, ACS Clothing, Aberdeen Laundry Services and JoJo Maman Bébé.

Three school students sat at a desk writing down notes

About the campaign

FTCT ran its Back to School fundraising campaign from 1 July 2024 to 31 July 2024, aiming to support families facing significant Back to School expenses. Since 1853, FTCT has been dedicated to supporting children from UK fashion and textile families. The charity provides grants for essential items including clothing, bedding and more.

This campaign was launched in response to the charity’s Back to School 2024 survey, which highlighted the financial strain fashion and textile families are facing with the new school year approaching. Amongst the 54 respondents – all parents working in the UK fashion and textile sector who previously received grants from FTCT – 75% indicated experiencing extreme stress due to Back to School expenses.

Seventy per cent of the respondents shared that they find it impossible to set money aside for Back to School expenses. Their primary financial concerns being over buying laptops or tablets, uniform costs, school meals, transportation and childcare.

A school teacher and four children conducting a science experiment

Commenting is Anna Pangbourne, CEO of FTCT.

“Through the campaign, we want to reflect the lived experiences of the families who approach us for support. We can’t ignore the harsh reality that children right across the UK are being left behind at school due to economic challenges – this includes the children of colleagues within the fashion and textile sector.”

A parent who benefited from a FTCT Back to School grant says: “At the time of applying [to the FTCT], I was working less hours and had debts to pay off. I needed school shoes and uniform for both kids and a laptop for my daughter. These items were so important to both my children’s wellbeing, but especially for my daughter.

“We didn’t have a computer at home, and she is still young, so I didn’t want her to be travelling on her own to the library every time she needed to do her homework. With the help of our Back to School grant my daughter can do her homework on the laptop, which has helped tonnes. The whole process of applying was very easy from start to finish.”

For further information on FTCT, please click here.