Social enterprises, or community businesses, have become more and more common over the last few years.
The latest superb effort I have been told of and wish to alert people to is called Class I Kids, which has been set up by two mothers, Mary Fleming and Tracy Patterson from my constituency and which is based in Blaydon.
They specialise in retailing new and recycled school uniforms for lower-income families to help reduce the demanding costs of sending children to school.
Research shows that the annual cost sending a child to school is about £1,100, over a quarter of which is due to the costs of uniforms. This can be a real issue for less well-off families and those with more than one child.
Their goal is to provide everyone with the correct uniform to reduce any stigma on pupils and families who cannot afford the correct attire. I have personal experience of this stigma from my own school days.
The scheme provides the collection, de-personalisation and laundering of second hand items to those who struggle to meet the growing costs of participating in schools with a uniform policy.
They believe that all such schools should take these costs into consideration and that partnership with Class I Kids will help pupils and schools. They are currently working with 8 schools in Gateshead.
They have the help of one regular volunteer and support from Gateshead council plus a grant from the Barbour Trust.
Children say that they find it embarrassing and degrading to have the incorrect uniform. They feel stigmatised and this often results in bullying. Bullying then leads them to dislike going to school which affects their performance and achievement.
This is a needless vicious circle for them. And we all lose if our children cannot make the most of their time at school which should, after all, be the best days of their lives.
This is also a great way of supporting the environment and promoting reuse and recycling.
They can be contacted by calling 07708 531734 or 07581 317026 or visit their store at 5 Park Avenue, Blaydon. Their website is www.classikids.btik.com
You can contact me with details of other initiatives
Newcastle Chronicle and Journal
| Promoted by Paul Foy on behalf of Dave Anderson, both of St Cuthbert's Church Hall, Shibdon Road, Blaydon, NE21 5PT |