Return to school made easier for Wigan families with help of Here for You

Throughout the summer holidays, Wigan Council has joined forces with community organisations such as Rebuild with Hope, Aim NW and Smart Futures Uniform CIC for a series of events.

Each one has included a school uniform discount sale and provided visitors with expert advice and guidance as part of the council’s Here for You cost-of-living campaign.

Victoria, who attended a school uniform event in Ince, said: “There is a lot of financial pressure over the summer holidays and this event has taken a lot of stress and worry away of not being able to afford all the uniform items that my children require.

“This was a brilliant event for the community of Ince, and I was able to purchase all uniforms for three of my children for just £42.

“Normally, I am only able to buy the bare minimum as that’s all I can afford but I have been able to buy additional items of uniform which will last the full year.

“My children will be looking smarter throughout the whole year, instead of making one uniform last all year round.”

The events were held as part of a pro-active approach steered by Wigan Council to keep money in the pockets of local people.

The authority launched its Here for You campaign in response to the cost-of-living crisis back in 2022 and have helped local people access millions of pounds of additional income since then.

Coun Susan Gambles, cabinet member for welfare at Wigan Council, added: “The cost-of-living crisis continues to affect local people, and we know that the school holidays often come with added costs of keeping young people fed, looked after and entertained.

“We’re really proud to be working in partnership with local community groups to respond to these challenges in a creative way and know that throughout these events, we’ve been able to help over 100 people to access financial support.”

Wigan Council holds regular events for people to check their eligibility for additional financial support. Anyone is welcome to attend.

To find an event near you, visit: wigan.gov.uk/HelpToClaim