Surrey families can now get more back-to-school help

Families facing financial hardship in Surrey will have access to more help with school clothing and equipment before the new academic year. More than £100,000 from Surrey County Council’s Crisis and Resilience Fund has been awarded to children’s charity Stripey Stork to expand its School Days scheme.

The support is intended to reduce the pressure of back-to-school costs while ensuring children have the practical essentials needed to attend lessons. Stripey Stork expects the expanded service to help around 8,500 children across Surrey over the next 12 months.

Uniforms, shoes and school bags are covered

Families referred to the scheme can receive bundles assembled around a child’s school needs. The available essentials include:

• Non-branded school uniform
• School shoes and trainers
• PE kits
• School bags

Community donations from families, schools, parent-teacher associations and other local groups will continue to supply good-quality pre-owned items. The council funding will help Stripey Stork fill gaps where donated stock is insufficient, allowing each child to receive a more complete bundle.

Part of the award will also support the collection, storage, sorting, packing and distribution of the items. That infrastructure enables the charity to handle referrals and deliver bundles throughout the school year, rather than limiting assistance to the weeks immediately before term begins.

Support is aimed at Surrey families in financial hardship

The expanded School Days scheme is for families experiencing financial difficulties and struggling to meet the cost of essential school items. The source announcement does not set out a single income threshold or detailed eligibility test, so families should discuss their circumstances with one of the organisations able to make or arrange a referral.

In 2025, the programme supported 7,503 children from 4,116 Surrey families. The new funding is expected to increase its reach by roughly 1,000 children over the coming 12 months, although the items provided will depend on each child’s needs and available stock.

Stripey Stork Chief Executive Nicola Dawes said partner feedback showed that some families would otherwise go without essential items or take on debt to buy them. According to the charity’s reported feedback, more than 80% of partners said the support improved school engagement and attendance, while more than 90% said it reduced parents’ stress and worry.

Referrals are available through schools and local services

Families can access the assistance through the Crisis Payments scheme and established referral networks. Routes named by Surrey County Council include:

• Schools
• Social workers
• Health visitors
• Citizens Advice
• Domestic abuse services
• Local charities

Parents or carers who already work with one of these services can ask whether a referral to the School Days scheme is appropriate. The council announcement does not provide a direct public application form for Stripey Stork, making these trusted services the clearest starting point supplied in the published information.

The award comes from a three-year hardship fund

The contribution forms part of the £7.1 million UK Government-funded Crisis and Resilience Fund, which is administered locally by Surrey County Council. The three-year programme combines immediate crisis assistance with longer-term support intended to help residents regain financial stability.

The fund works with voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise organisations. Its wider support includes food, household essentials, energy assistance and financial advice, alongside this additional provision for school essentials.

Councillor Mark Nuti, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Communities, said the investment would help ease pressure on household budgets while giving more children the essentials required for school. For families seeking the expanded uniform support, the confirmed next step is to speak with a school or another named referral service about their circumstances.

Source: Surrey County Council Press Releases