Free Hednesford Preloved Uniform Market closes Friday

Families across Cannock Chase can collect free school uniform this week at the Preloved Uniform Market, held at The Salvation Army, 7 Anglesey Street, Hednesford. The market opens from 5pm to 7pm on Wednesday 19 August and continues until noon on Friday 21 August.

Uniform is available without charge to families with children who live in the Cannock Chase area or attend a school there. The project is intended to help households prepare for the new school year while reducing back-to-school costs.

When families can visit the market

Three collection windows are available before the event closes:

Thursday provides the longest opportunity to attend, with the market open for five hours. Families planning a Friday visit should note that the final session finishes at noon.

Staffordshire County Council reported that plenty of uniform remained available when Deputy Leader Hayley Coles visited the market and met volunteers on Tuesday. The source does not provide a breakdown of available sizes or individual garments, so families looking for something specific can contact the organisers before travelling.

Which schools have uniform available

Organisers say they currently hold large quantities of items for Kingsmead, Gorsemoor, Cheslyn Hay, Five Ways and Staffordshire University Academy.

Items are also available for St Luke’s, Longford, St Joseph’s, Cannock Chase High School, Pye Green, St Peter’s and Littleton Green. The organisers additionally report holding uniform for many other local schools, so the published list is not exhaustive.

The market is delivered by The Salvation Army Church and Staffordshire Libraries, with support from Tesco and Morrisons. The partnership brings together local libraries, businesses and volunteers to distribute donated uniform within the Cannock Chase area.

The project began in 2019 and is now in its seventh year. According to figures published by Staffordshire County Council Newsroom, more than 2,400 children have received uniform through the scheme, generating estimated savings of £120,000 for local families. David Cox of The Salvation Army Church said the project had collectively supplied uniform for more than 2,000 children in the area.

Eligibility, booking and contact details

There is no charge for the uniform. The market is open to families whose children either live in Cannock Chase or attend a school within the area.

The published information does not state whether advance booking is required and includes no transport or accessibility guidance. Families who want to confirm arrangements, ask about a school or check for particular uniform needs can email [email protected] or [email protected].

The last confirmed collection opportunity is from 10am to noon on Friday 21 August at The Salvation Army, 7 Anglesey Street, Hednesford.

Source: Staffordshire County Council Newsroom