This year marks the 5th year of SmartStart, a free school uniform programme run by Manchester children’s charity, Wood Street Mission. The initiative offers families a practical support package including school uniform, sportswear, winter coats and other accessories.
In 2018, a growing group of partners and supporters helped the charity to reach 3,199 children from Manchester and Salford.
Along with uniform sets, they supplied over 1,100 winter coats and 578 backpacks and water bottles. Also, 650 sportswear sets, 381 revision guides, plus accessories such as hats, gloves and socks.
Families who are referred to Wood Street for help worry that affording everything their child needs for school in August is not possible (approximately £220 per child).
Today, 75,480 children are living in poverty in Manchester and Salford. Poverty affects confidence, education and low-pay for the next generation, too.
Without help, families cut down on food, borrow, fall behind with bills or leave children in last year’s uniforms. Parents get stressed and children struggle with their peers. With help, they feel less stressed, can reduce their debts and have children who “look smart” and “feel better at school”.
The Wood Street Mission charity relies greatly on the support of the local community. It welcomes financial donations as well as donations of new and good quality school uniform and school accessories.
Wood Street Mission holds events and giving talks at schools and businesses to help raise awareness about child poverty.
Commenting is Wood Street Mission’s, Mark Gaffney. “Our parents tell us about their worries for their children and the relief they feel to get uniform without getting into more debt.
“One school uniform doesn’t change the world, but it will level the playing field and help a child start well. The rest is up to them, their teachers and their family.
Families who received support in the past have spoken of the benefits of SmartStart. Comments include “a huge boost in self-esteem” through to their children no longer being bullied and excluded, leaving them free to learn.
For more information on donating to SmartStart contact info@woodstreetmission.org.uk.
About Wood Street Mission
Established in 1869, Wood Street Mission is a children’s charity that helps children and families living in poverty in Manchester and Salford.
The charity provides practical help to help meet children’s day-to-day needs and improve their life chances. It gives struggling families items that are important for a child’s wellbeing and development. For instance, clothes, bedding, baby equipment, toys and books.
It also promotes engagement in education by helping families with the costs of going to school. This is in addition to running holiday book clubs to promote reading and improve children’s literacy.
The charity helps thousands of children and their families every year. All of its services are free for families to access on referral. Wood Street Mission works with all statutory services and voluntary agencies across Manchester and Salford to ensure as many families as possible, who are in need of support, can be referred for help.
