The **Queensgate Shopping Centre** in **Peterborough** is set to host an exciting event aimed at easing the financial burden on families as they prepare for the upcoming school year. On **August 1**, parents and students will have the opportunity to access a variety of free school essentials and clothing during the **Free School Uniform Event**. This initiative is part of a broader effort to support families in light of rising costs, particularly amid the ongoing cost of living crisis affecting many communities.
The event promises to provide a range of clothing items suitable for both primary and secondary school students. Visitors will be able to exchange items on-site, particularly near the shopping centre’s **Superdry** store. This effort is not just about providing outfits for students but also aims to promote sustainability. According to **Katy Cole**, the Labour and cabinet member for children’s services at **Peterborough City Council**, this initiative is expected to significantly help families cut down their expenses while also making a positive impact on the environment. Cole acknowledged the challenges that families face, remarking, “Working in education and being a parent myself, I am well aware of the cost of uniforms and how quickly youngsters grow out of them.”
Beyond just distributing uniforms, the event will feature additional activities designed to engage attendees. From **11:00 AM to 4:00 PM**, families can participate in recycling games, upcycling workshops, and crafts. These activities aim to not only entertain but also educate families about the importance of reusing school uniforms. The event has been organized by the city council’s recycling education team in collaboration with the **Peterborough Youth Council**, with substantial support from **Peterborough Family Hubs**.
Among the supporters of the event is **Danielle Daboh**, the city’s **Youth Member of Parliament**, who expressed hope that the event would alleviate some of the stress families experience, especially during the back-to-school season. She articulated that this initiative also serves to highlight the environmental benefits of reusing materials and the economic advantages of engaging in such community activities.
Excitingly, the **National Literacy Trust** will also be present, promoting literacy initiatives, while the **Goal2Grow** initiative will facilitate fans exchanging pre-loved football shirts. This multifaceted event not only addresses the immediate needs for school attire but also fosters a community spirit centered around sustainability and mutual support.
As the new school year approaches, it’s more important than ever to consider both the financial implications of school uniforms and the environmental footprint of fast fashion. The Free School Uniform Event at Queensgate Shopping Centre not only seeks to diminish costs for families but also sets a precedent for community engagement in sustainable practices.
Residents are encouraged to mark their calendars for this significant event. With the potential to gather resources, meet fellow community members, and partake in informative activities, this initiative epitomizes communal effort and social responsibility.
For updates and further information, members of the public are invited to follow local news through platforms like **BBC Sounds**, **Facebook**, **Instagram**, and **X (formerly known as Twitter)**. In an age where economic challenges persist, events like these represent a hopeful step towards not just financial relief but also a sustainable future for everyone involved.
