INTU Eldon Square is encouraging families in Jesmond to donate school uniforms this summer as part of the Community School Clothing Scheme.

The scheme was set up two years ago by Freema Chambers after she struggled to replace her son’s school trousers in a time of financial difficulty, often relying on passed-down clothing from friends.

Wanting to help families in a similar situation, Chambers began collecting unwanted school uniforms with the support of the headmaster from her son’s school, which could then be given to families in need.

Chambers created a Facebook page and various local collection points but demand outgrew the space. In 2018 she took over a 22,000 sq ft hub at Cobalt business park in North Tyneside.

“I’m delighted to be working with intu Eldon Square and have a school uniform collection box placed inside the shopping centre,” says Chambers. “This collection point will help so many families across the north east and we can’t thank enough anyone who donates – please remember no donation is too small.”

Clare Cannon, community manager at intu Eldon Square, says: “We’re encouraging families to visit the shopping centre this summer and place any unwanted, outgrown school uniforms in the box located in St Andrew’s Way. At this time of year, it’s such an important initiative to champion and we hope to see lots of deliveries.”

The collection point, which is located outside the All Saints’ store in St Andrew’s Way, will accept all unwanted school skirts, shirts, dresses, shoes, trousers and branded jumpers.

Donations can be made until Sunday 1^st September 2019.