Shipley Salvation Army’s Uniform Exchange supports 500 children
published on 24 Aug 2026
A Salvation Army run Uniform Exchange in Shipley provided items to more than 500 children last year and expects to help even more in 2026.
More than 4,500 items of clothing were given out in 2025 from the standalone Uniform Hub in Westgate, helping to ease financial pressure on families as well as reduce the amount of items going to landfill.
It comes as The Salvation Army welcomes the Government’s pledge to restrict the amount of branded uniform items parents must buy, which is coming into force this September, but warns it expects to see many families continue to struggle to afford the high cost of items.
Dawn Coleman, Community Assistant who leads the Uniform Exchange for Shipley Salvation Army, said: “Our hub really has grown over the past few years, for example in 2023 we gave out 1,350 items and last year it was around 4,500.
“There are many reasons for this, including the fact that costs for families have continued to rise, and if you have to buy uniform for more than one child it can run into the hundreds of pounds.
“There’s also increased awareness of what we do at the hub and less stigma in wearing pre-loved items, which is really important. We want children to be able to go to school in good quality uniform, ready to learn and not self-conscious about what they’re wearing.
“We’re also finding more families are environmentally conscious, they want to recycle and reuse, so will come and get items from us and donate in return.”
Dawn estimates they supported more than 500 children with uniform in 2025, both from people coming to the hub, which is open to anyone, and through referrals from local social services, schools and healthcare workers.
Although figures are not yet available for 2026, a snapshot found 106 families were served by the project over April and May, compared to 69 families over the same period in 2025. Since April, they have supported nearly 300 families.
Dawn continued: “We welcome the Government’s pledge to reduce the amount of branded uniform people have to buy for their kids, however many people they will still struggle to afford this and will be relying on uniform exchanges. We can see from the numbers coming to us that the need is there and we don’t anticipate that will fall anytime soon.
“What’s great about our exchange is that it’s not just about distributing uniform, many regulars come for a cuppa and a chat, to be signposted to other services, and will then go on to attend other activities at Shipley Salvation Army.
“We’re so well supported by the community with members of the public and local schools donating items to us. We’re also reliant on a team of volunteers who help us sort, wash and distribute clothing. Thank you to everyone who gives up their time to help ease the pressure on families.”
The hub is open two to three days a week including a monthly Saturday opening and extended hours during the summer term. They have also been out in the community this summer holiday with Living Well Bradford, giving out not only uniform but children’s books.
The opening hours and information about the main donation drop-off points are shared on their facebook page or search for Shipley Area School Uniform Support. You do not need a referral to attend the hub. Shipley Salvation Army, led by Major Laura McLean, runs a number of activities for the community.
