The Manchester pubs helping families get free second-hand school uniforms

Lovers of the renowned Manchester beer brewed by Joseph Holt are being asked to help families struggling pay for school uniforms for their children.

The 173-year-old family brewery has launched a project enabling people to donate items of school wear to help those in need, establishing collection points at Joseph Holt`s 127 pubs across the North West.

“Every year, families may well dispose of uniform which may well still be in good condition but which their children will have grown out of,” said Paul Longmire, head of marketing at Joseph Holt.

“It made us all think that with so much need at the moment, we could help bring together donated items and ensure they go to those in need.

“We have been calling out for any aspect of school uniform and kit, so long as it is in good condition. And the response from customers and members of the public has been magnificent. What`s more, recycling uniform will save landfill space and reduces greenhouse gases – so there is an environmental benefit too.”

Danielle McIntosh, manager of the Bricklayer’s Arms in Salford said her pub had been inundated with donations.

She said: “Our customers have been fantastic and responded to the call out by bringing in loads of pieces of uniform. They really have come up trumps. We`re carrying on collecting until the end of August to make sure we get as much as we can to go to families who need the help.”

Michelle Dickinson of the Richmond pub in Southport agreed, saying: “We have been overwhelmed. People have been so generous and this is going to help so many families.”

The Schoolwear Association has found the average cost of compulsory school uniform and sportswear items is £101.19 per pupil. This means for families with more than one child, the amount spent on uniforms can add up to several hundred pounds.

Items of school wear can be dropped in 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 are also working with local charities to distribute items. For example, the Water`s Edge pub in Lytham will give all surplus uniforms to the Homestart charity in St Annes which is also distributing uniforms to families in need.

Anyone who would like a uniform from the pubs just needs to direct message pubs individual Facebook pages pieces will be put aside for collection. Any left over, will be donated to the schools directly.

Mr Longmire added: “This again shows how pubs are so central to the community and work to reach out to those in need.

“We’re sure there will be a generous response from our big-hearted customers and from the community beyond so that we can do something to help struggling families with the cost of providing uniforms.”