Agenda item

Report of the Partnerships Director

The Darlington Partnerships Director provided members with an update on the uniform exchange scheme which continues to see growth in use. The relocation to a unit beside Feetham’s multi storey car park has been successful, saving cost whilst providing a good facility for both volunteers and customers.

Members were informed that help with school uniforms was showing a great number of searches on the Darlington Council website and following this it was determined that the scheme would be valuable for residents.  The new location is now running with positive feedback from both volunteers and the public who visit the site with 3006 customers to date.

Discussion was held with regards to the affordability of school uniforms with members commenting that having incorrect uniforms can make children feel singled-out with minor changes to uniforms making them unsuitable for donation or handing-down resulting in families having unsustainable uniform costs.

It was also suggested that sewing lessons for parents could be useful to help longevity of uniforms.

RESOLVED - Members noted the content of the update provided and members expressed their approval of the scheme and appreciation of the efforts of those involved.