Free school uniform pop-up shop in Peterborough to help parents before new school year

The special shop will open in unit 31 on Bridge Street, which is next to Peterborough Town Hall, on July 31 from noon to 5pm.

Residents will be able to donate their clean, good-quality school uniform items or prom dresses that are no longer needed, swap and take ones they may need.

There will also be some stalls from Family Hubs, the National Literacy Trust, the Co-op Group and Our Co-op, local kit collection projects, and other community stands.

Co-op Group and Our Co-op will be joining together to offer free and fun activities at the event.

A spokesperson for organisers Peterborough City Council said: “The event is built around the principles of reduce, reuse and recycle, helping school uniforms, coats and other items stay in use for longer while reducing textile waste and supporting families with the cost of the new school year.

"It is part of our commitment to reducing waste, increasing reuse opportunities and supporting residents through practical, community-focused environmental initiatives.

Councillor Katy Cole, the council's cabinet member for children’s services, said: “It can be an expensive time for families when it comes to thinking about uniform for the new term in September so I would encourage them to pop along to this event if they can.

"We will have all types of clothing from t-shirts to dresses, trousers to blazers.

"It’s great that they can plan for next year by picking up a prom dress too.”

Cllr Chris Wiggin, the council’s cabinet member for environmental services, said: “I am very pleased to support this event as it is diverting textiles from waste by prioritising reuse and recycling instead of being discarded as waste.

"This is an important way to minimise the overall impact that clothing has on our environment.”

Peterborough MP Andrew Pakes said: “I am a big supporter of the Second Chance Uniform campaign. It is a brilliant way to reuse good quality uniforms and help parents to save money.

"Thanks to everyone involved - I've been a champion since the beginning and remain so.”