The charity is asking local families and businesses to sponsor a child by buying a back-to-school set of uniform

Referrals to a school uniform bank have doubled – showing the continuing effects austerity is having on families.

Volunteers are receiving requests for back-to-school packs at an alarming rate, with twice the number of referrals coming in compared to the same period last year.

Referrals to Edinburgh School Uniform Bank are made for a variety of reasons including families suffering the effects of domestic violence, young carers, low income and benefit problems.

Any child going to school in the ‘wrong’ clothes is vulnerable to stigma, lack of confidence, social exclusion and poor engagement with school.

Edinburgh School Uniform Bank seeks to tackle these issues early by providing new school uniform as well as essentials like school bags and stationery.

Julia Grindley, a trustee at the charity, said: “Every child and young person deserves the chance to go into school with their heads held high, fitting in with their peers and ready to do their best. We need the support of the local community to make sure that every child in Edinburgh has someone buying a new set of school uniform for them. Nobody should have to go without.”

The charity is asking local families and businesses to sponsor a child by buying a back-to-school set of uniform.

A pack of uniform is so much more than a bag of clothes; it provides dignity and a sense of being valued to a child who is facing hardship, as well as practical support for parents and carers.

One family worker, who requested school uniform on behalf of a family, said: “I just wanted to thank you again for the amazing uniform donation for the family I work with. They were overjoyed and mum cried she was so relieved and delighted. The boys were so excited that they have packed their new school bags already!”

Details of how to support the charity’s work are on their website and there are drop-off points for donations all over the city.