As the new school year has dawned, a charity shop in Ellesmere Port has helped parents and pupils with free school uniforms.

The YMCA charity shop was able to provide the uniforms thanks to the generosity of public donations.

This scheme helps ease the burden for parents struggling with the rising cost of living, especially those on low incomes, by providing essential school uniforms for their children as they prepare for the new school year.

The YMCA shop in Ellesmere Port.

The YMCA shop in Ellesmere Port.

Kim Steadman, YMCA area manager for the North West, said: “With many parents still facing the daunting challenge of affording school uniforms, this initiative ensured that all children in the community have access to proper school attire.

"By removing this financial stress, YMCA is helping to ensure that local children can head back to school with confidence, dressed and ready to succeed in their education.”

Brandon Williams, shop manager of YMCA Ellesmere Port's charity shop, added: “This initiative wouldn’t be possible without the support of our local community.

"Thanks to the generous donations we’ve received, we’ve been able to support families during this critical time and ensure that every child, regardless of their financial background, is ready for school.”

This local initiative aligns with YMCA’s broader mission to support individuals and families across England and Wales. Serving 688 communities, YMCA is constantly evolving to meet the needs of local residents and respond to the challenges they face. Every year, YMCA supports more than 375,000 young people, with a core focus on ensuring that young people and families have access to essential services and support.

The YMCA shop in Ellesmere Port.

The YMCA shop in Ellesmere Port.

As the largest voluntary sector provider of supported housing for young people in England and Wales, YMCA provides 9,466 beds every night, housing over 20,000 people annually. This safe, stable environment allows them to rebuild their lives and work towards a brighter future.

Through its extensive youth services, including youth clubs that reach 34,698 young people, YMCA is tackling social isolation, providing safe spaces, and nurturing talents through music, arts, and theatre programmes. These efforts create opportunities for young people to thrive in all aspects of life and ultimately contribute to building stronger, more resilient communities.

The YMCA charity shop in Ellesmere Port welcomes donations from the public to support this and other vital community initiatives. For more information, visit www.ymca.org.uk or contact YMCA Ellesmere Port.