Back to School packs…

As any parent knows, getting ready for the new academic year can be an expensive time. Kerry Stephens’ (our assistant manager) own insight into the price of kitting out her children in September meant she felt it was important to try and relieve some of that pressure for parents who might otherwise have to choose between paying the bills and buying food, or sending their child to school without the PE kit and stationery they need.

Any family referred to us with primary school aged children was offered a pack, leading to 30 children, including 3 asylum seeker families benefitting.

“Hopefully next year, with more planning, we can expand the scheme to reach even more families. As we’ve seen on the news recently, the costs of school uniform alone is staggering, so any help we can give is always gratefully received.”

Each pack contained: polo shirts in the school's colour, plimsolls, PE t-shirts and shorts, pants, socks and a water bottle.

But there was more in store… the families were invited to come and collect their bags from Lancaster Baptist Church, where they were met with refreshments, and more goodies - pencil cases, stickers, notebooks and a choice of brand new books.

“It was almost like a party… we had balloons, bright colours and treats and just a nice chance to chat. People even came dressed up for the occasion! You could see some of the kids using their notebooks straight away. Hopefully they went away excited for the start of school and just felt like they’d had a bit of a treat day.”