Two established Southport pubs are once again helping families struggling to pay for school uniforms.
The Richmond, on Scarisbrick New Road, and The Imperial, on Albert Road, are both inviting kind-hearted customers and others within our local community to donate items of schoolwear to help those struggling to meet the cost.
Both pubs are part of the 174-old Manchester-based Joseph Holt Brewery, which is setting up collection points in Southport and at all its 127 pubs across the UK.
The initiative has been launched with the cost of living crisis and rising inflation putting even greater burden on family budgets.
Joseph Holt spokesperson Paul Longmire said: “Now that school is out for summer, this is also the time when uniforms – which may well still be in good condition – may be disposed of, perhaps because children have grown out of it or pupils are changing school.
“We want to collect these good quality items to give a lift to those families who are struggling.`
`What’s more, recycling uniforms will save landfill space and reduce greenhouse gases – so there is an environmental benefit too.”
According to recent research by The Children’s Society parents are still spending ‘exorbitant amounts’ on school uniforms despite new rules brought in last year to keep costs down.
The organisation found parents are paying £422 per year for secondary school children, and £287 for primary school children, for uniform on average.
Last year the brewery, which has been in the same family for six generations launched its inaugural school uniform appeal with thousands of items donated across the North West.
Items of school wear can be dropped off at any Joseph Holt pub. These will then be organised according to size and school and listed on the individual pub`s Facebook page.
Some pubs will also be working with local schools to distribute items.
Anybody who would like uniforms from The Richmond pub or The Imperial pub in Southport just needs to direct message the pub`s individual Facebook pages and pieces will be put aside for collection. Any left over will be donated to the schools directly.
Paul Longmire said: “Last year the response from customers and members was magnificent , showing how our pubs are very much at the heart of the communities they serve. With family budgets tighter than ever Joseph Holt is committed to doing everything we can to ensure struggling families get the uniform they need for their children.”
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