In the run-up to Back to School, the Fashion & Textile Children’s Trust (FTCT) has launched a new school uniform fundraising campaign to support families working in the British fashion and textile industry. CWB speaks to the charity’s CEO, Anna Pangbourne, to learn more about the initiative and how the schoolwear industry can potentially help.

 

Laura Turner: For anyone unfamiliar with FTCT, can you tell us more about the charity?

Anna Pangbourne: The Fashion & Textile Children’s Trust has been a lifeline for fashion and textile families since 1853. We’re the only organisation dedicated to supporting the children of people who work in the British fashion and textile industry. Financial difficulties can hit anyone, at any time. An unexpected change in circumstances can suddenly make it impossible for parents to provide the things that children really need. We provide a lifeline through grants; a one-off cash payment that doesn’t have to be paid back. Our support is woven into the very fabric of the industry. From retail to manufacture, from schoolwear to interiors, we’re here for every fashion and textile parent who finds themselves unable to afford essential items like clothes, bedroom furniture or study equipment for their children.

LT: Who makes up the team behind FTCT?

AP: We are a small team of just six staff and are supported by a board of eight voluntary trustees.

LT: What impact have your grants had to date?

AP: Over the last 170 years we’ve seen fashion – and almost everything else – change, but one thing has remained constant; our commitment to supporting parents when financial pressure turns into a financial crisis. Over the last five years, we have given £1.85 million in grants to support 3,640 children, funding more than 8,663 items.

LT: What do your school uniform grants cover?

AP: Our grants cover all items a child needs for school, from blazers to polo shirts and PE kits to school shoes. We give a standard amount for each child so parents can shop locally for all the individual items their child needs.

LT: FTCT recently launched a new school uniform fundraising campaign. Can you tell us more about this and why a fundraiser is necessary?

AP: Between 21 June and 19 July we are running a school uniform campaign to raise vital funds to make sure children of families in our sector are school-ready for September. A school uniform seems like a simple thing, but for children it can make a huge difference. It’s the difference between blistered feet and comfortable shoes for growing feet, from getting teased or fitting in, and getting sent home or getting a full day of learning.

Every year around 12,000 parents visit our website seeking information about our school uniform grants. This peaks during the summer months when school uniform stress is at its highest. Our grants are already in significant demand, so our attention has turned to fundraising to ensure we can help every family applying to us for help. As a small charity, we can get funds directly to the families who need them and 100% of donations fund our grants.

 

 

LT: How can schoolwear suppliers and retailers support the campaign?

AP: There are a number of ways the schoolwear industry can support our campaign. We are encouraging companies to make a financial donation to our appeal, helping us to fund uniform for the most financially vulnerable families in our industry. Alternatively, companies can host their own school-themed fundraiser, whether at head office or in-store. Lastly, we hope companies will join us in sharing and raising awareness of the uniform support out there for families in financial hardship.

LT: You have a toolkit to help promote the campaign – what does it comprise?

AP: Our campaign toolkit contains simple fundraising ideas for companies to try. Everything from bake sales to wearing your school uniform to work day. We also have some simple content downloads for companies to share among their networks and on their social channels. The toolkit is available to download from our website.

LT: To what extent has demand for your grants increased during the cost of living crisis?

AP: The cost of living crisis has had a huge effect on families across the industry. Grant applications to our charity are up by 50% from this time last year. We are hearing from many parents who are in arrears on household bills, including rent and energy costs. Since July 2022 we have given nearly £300,000 in grants, helping more than 650 children get the essentials items they need. Demand for our grants is still very high and we have hundreds more applications to process.

LT: How does someone apply for a school uniform grant?

AP: Applying for a grant is a two-step process that can be completed online via our website. During the process, families are asked to provide evidence of their home and financial circumstances and supply documents to support this. Parents can sometimes feel a bit nervous about applying, but our friendly team is here to help throughout the process. We always encourage parents to think about the difference a grant can make to their child’s life. One successful parent told us, “The FTCT grant made a huge difference. It was a real weight off my shoulders knowing my son would look as smart as the other kids.”

LT: Where can interested parties obtain further information on the FTCT and its work?

AP: The best place to start is our website. You can also find us on all the social channels including LinkedIn and Instagram.