School Uniform Reuse
The cost of school uniform is a challenge for many parents, and even more so when households are already struggling with the increased cost of food and energy. Research in Northern Ireland by the Parents Engagement Group showed that the average cost of a Primary School uniform is £173 and post primary £378.
Causeway Coast and Glens Anti-Poverty Steering Group is encouraging families to check out their local school uniform recycling scheme first before they think about buying new uniform items. There are several pre-loved school uniform exchanges and sales taking place acros the borough over the summer months.By reusing school uniform items that still have life in them you are doing your bit for the environmental as well as easing the burden on your wallet.
| Organisation/ School | Address | Dates | Times | Schools covered (if applicable) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ballycastle High School | 33 Rathlin Rd, Ballycastle BT54 6LD | Tues 1st & Wed 2nd August, Thur 24th August & Fri 25th August | 10am-2pm | |
| Coleraine Grammar School | 23-33 Castlerock Rd, Coleraine BT51 3LA | Sat 12th August | 10am-12noon | |
| Dominican College | 2 Strand Rd, Portstewart BT55 7PF | Mon 17th to Fri 28th July | 9.30am – 12.30pm | |
| Hazelbank Presbyterian Church | Hazelbank Road, Coleraine, BT51 3DY | Fri 28th July | 10.30am – 12.00noon and 6pm-7pm | DH Christie PS, Killowen PS, St John's PS, Castleroe PS and Coleraine College |
| St. James’s Presbyterian Church | St James Road, Ballymoney BT53 6BJ | Sat 5th August Sat 12th August | 10am-12noon both days | Dalriada, Ballymoney High School, Coleraine Grammar, Leaney PS, Model Controlled Integrated PS |
| The Hope Centre, Vineyard Compassion | 10 Hillmans Way, Ballycastle Road, Coleraine, | July and August during Drop In opening times | Morning Sessions: Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday 11:30am - 1:00pm Evening Session: Thursday 7pm - 8pm | |
| Limavady Community Development Initiative LCDI | 24 Benevenagh Dr, Limavady BT49 0AQ | Tues 8th, Wed 9th, Thurs 10th August | 10am - 2pm | Limavady Grammar School, Limavady High, St Mary's, School, Roe valley Integrated PS, Termoncanice PS, Gaelscoil Léim An Mhadaidh, Limavady Central PS, Drumachose Primary School, |
If you are running or know of any other school uniform reuse schemes running then please email us at community.development@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk. All details were correct at time of entry.
Education Authority School Uniform Allowance
Applications for Free School Meals and Uniform Allowance for the upcoming academic year are now open and applications can be submitted at this link https://ow.ly/Rhca50OWYW9 before 28th July.
Please note, as well as new applicants, parents/guardians of children who are already receiving Free School Meals and Uniform Allowance will need to apply again for this school year.
You must register with an email address and create an account to apply.
Department of Finance #GoONNI continues to host digital clinics in libraries across Northern Ireland to provide parents with support for applying. Details of where and when the clinics are taking place can be found here bit.ly/43c1oDg
For more information, visit the Free School Meals and Uniform Allowance page on the Education Authority website https://ow.ly/ri1850OWYW8 #EAFSMU