A school uniform project with roots in Golborne is taking a significant step forward today, Friday, 29 May, as it officially opens a new charity shop and hub at 96 Bradshawgate in Leigh town centre.
The Uniformity Project, which is run in partnership with Leigh-based domestic abuse charity AIM Northwest, helps local families access good quality school uniform at no cost. The new premises gives the project a much more prominent base from which to reach even more families across the area.
The new shop will also stock low-cost clothing alongside the free school uniform, helping families with a wider range of essentials.
The ribbon cutting honours will fall to local rugby league legend Mickey Higham, who played for Leigh Centurions across three separate spells as well as representing St Helens, Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves, Great Britain and England.
Face painting, cake and coffee, craft activities and new memberships will also be on offer to mark the occasion.
How it started
The Uniformity Project was the idea of Golborne mum Kerry Bamber, who came up with the concept during the summer of 2022. Noticing that the cost of new uniforms at the start of each school year was a real pressure for many families she knew, Kerry put out an appeal for people to donate uniform their children had outgrown, so it could be passed on to others who needed it.
All uniform was offered free of charge, and with people able to request items without having to explain their circumstances, there was no stigma involved.
The project grew quickly, gaining the backing of AIM Northwest, and eventually opened its own permanent shop at Spinners Mill in Leigh, where it has been operating for a couple of years.
The move to Bradshawgate brings the project into a more visible and accessible location in the heart of Leigh. The shop stocks recycled uniform from partner schools across Ashton-in-Makerfield, Golborne, Lowton, Leigh, Tyldesley and Atherton, with uniform remaining free of charge to all who need it.
Alongside the free uniform offer, the new shop sells donated children’s clothing for ages three to 16 at low cost, helping to keep the project running.
Get involved
The project is currently looking for volunteers to support the new shop, asking for around four hours per week. If you are interested in getting involved, you can contact Kerry by emailing Kerry.bamber@aimnorthwest.org.uk or by calling 07470 396240.
You can find out more about the Uniformity Project on the AIM Northwest website or follow them on Facebook.