Lord Provost visits Edinburgh School Uniform Bank

CHARITY LAUNCHES WINTER WARMERS APPEAL

The Lord Provost and President of the One City Trust, Robert Aldridge, today (October 24) visited the Edinburgh School Uniform Bank (ESUB) in Granton.

After meeting some of ESUB’s staff and volunteers, the Lord Provost helped to pack a bag of new uniform for a child who has been referred to the organisation.

ESUB provides school uniform to children who are facing hardship so that they can attend school without the stigma of wearing the ‘wrong’ clothes, as well as giving them the chance to take part in sports and social activities.

The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, and President of the One City Trust, Robert Aldridge said: “It was a real pleasure today to visit the Edinburgh School Uniform Bank. Through meeting some of the staff and volunteers I got an insight into the fantastic and essential work they carry out in communities across the city.

“However, it is a shame that in the year 2023 that organisations like this are still necessary to properly clothe our children and have them ready for school.

“I’m proud that the One City Trust can support organisations like ESUB, and I have no doubt that they will continue to make sure that no child ever wants for school clothes in Edinburgh. They have my full support and I look forward to working with them further.”

Trustee of the Edinburgh School Uniform Bank, Julia Grindley said: “For over eight years, Edinburgh School Uniform Bank has boosted the wellbeing and inclusion of the city’s most disadvantaged children and young people by ensuring that they can participate fully in all school activities with confidence, regardless of their family’s circumstances. We are delighted to show the Lord Provost around today.

“We work closely with over 100 schools and many other professional partners to provide new school uniforms, footwear, and other essentials to thousands of children every year. Many families are in dire straits, and children are going without. The cost-of-living crisis is making it increasingly difficult to keep up with demand for our services, and we need the support of the whole community, to avoid us turning families away.

“Today we are launching our Winter Warmers appeal. We hope that people and businesses all over Edinburgh will do what they can to make sure that every child can stay cosy and go to school with their head held high this winter.”