A free school uniform exchange has been launched to help families across Edinburgh who could be struggling with costs.

With more families finding the costs of new school uniforms to be completely unaffordable, some pupils are forced to go to school in ill-fitting, worn out uniforms or non-school uniform which could result in a negative school experience for the children and impact their ability to learn and thrive, reports The Daily Record.

As a result, The Leith Collective – a community interest company that showcases the work of hundreds of artists from across Scotland who are united by a common aim to reuse, recycle and re-love items that may have otherwise been thrown out – has been approached by a growing number of teachers and parents and have decided to launch free school uniform exchanges in an effort to help these families.

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The Leith Collective founder, Sara Thomson said: “From an environmental point of view, it is so important to keep good quality uniforms out of landfill and in use for as long as possible. And from a personal point of view, I’ve heard first-hand accounts from teachers and parents about what a negative effect it can have on families when they simply can’t afford school essentials, and it’s heartbreaking.”

Their aim is to make sure that every pupil can start in August with everything that they need to see them through a successful school year.

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Taking place at The Leith Collective stores in Edinburgh’s Ocean Terminal and Fort Kinnaird, the Livingston Designer Outlet and Dundee’s Overgate, the team behind this initiative are asking locals to donate good quality uniforms, coats, gym kits, shoes, schoolbags, pencil cases and any other school essentials so they can distribute them to those who need them.

The Leith Collective is also urging local businesses to donate extra stock where possible, with those taking part in the exchange receiving a community support certificate in recognition of their contribution.

Sara added: “This is the third year we’re running our free school uniform exchange and people need it more than ever. That’s why we’re widening our call this year and asking for businesses to get on board too to help those in need.”

People can donate and collect items, no questions asked, at The Leith Collective in Livingston Designer Outlet, Ocean Terminal, Fort Kinnaird and Overgate during opening hours.

They hope to help as many pupils as possible get off to the best possible start when the new academic year begins in August.

More information on the Leith Collective can be found here.

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