‘It’s open to absolutely everyone’: Free Leeds school uniform exchange launches in shopping centre
Parents can access free school uniform throughout the summer at the Merrion Centre
A free school uniform exchange has opened in Leeds city centre for the summer to help families navigate rising financial pressures.
The Leeds School Uniform Exchange returned to the Merrion Centre today (July 22) and offers families thousands of pre-loved school uniform items at no cost.
The pop-up shop is open on selected dates between July 22 and August 29, with opening hours from 10am to 3pm.
Last summer, over 2,500 school uniform items were distributed to over 300 families through the Leeds School Uniform Exchange which is delivered by local charity Wear and Share Leeds in partnership with the Merrion Centre.
Tracy Morgan, Co-Manager of Wear and Share Leeds said: “We’re providing pre-loved, good quality school uniform for free.
“It’s open to absolutely everyone so just come on down and take what you need.”
No referral is required to access the Leeds School Uniform Exchange and families are allowed to take as much as they need on the pop-up shop’s opening days.
As latest figures from the Department of Education estimate that a full school uniform and PE kit has an average cost of £442 for secondary pupils and £343 for primary pupils, this year’s Leeds School Uniform Exchange is set to be the biggest yet.
The pop-up will be open on 15 different days across the summer holiday period to help parents across Leeds save costs on school uniform items.
Tracy said: “Pennies are tight with families at the minute.
“By providing them with free uniform they could have some money left over to pay a bill, buy some food, or take the kids somewhere fun during the summer holidays.”