ALMOST 400 items of school uniforms were handed out to struggling families in Penrith as the sharp rise in the cost-of-living continues to have an effect.

The Salvation Army in Penrith set up a school uniform in July to help the local community before the beginning of the new school year in September.

The school uniforms available at the Salvation Army cover all ages, from two-year-olds in nursery to 16-year-olds in high school, and also cover all seasons, as demand for help increases with more people than ever struggling to make ends meet.

The church and charity have also been providing baby children, maternity and adult clothing alongside the uniform project and they also run a food bank which offers food parcel support via a referral three days a week.

News and Star: Heather Watson, community support worker at The Salvation Army Penrith with uniform donationsHeather Watson, community support worker at The Salvation Army Penrith with uniform donations (Image: Salvation Army)Major Carole Donaldson, church leader of the Salvation Army in Penrith, said the church was ‘saddened’ to see how many families were in need of help.

 “We already know that the cost-of-living crisis is having a huge impact on families in terms of the price of energy and groceries, and we were saddened to see how much of a need there was in the local community for our uniform project,” said Major Donalson.

“As a church we felt blessed that we could support in this way and make connections with families in the process, learning what other support we can give. 

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“Over 380 items of new school clothing were handed out, from trousers and skirts to shirts, polo tops and even socks.

“For some, clothing their children for school is simple however for increasingly more people, it is stressful, and finances are squeezed.

“We hope that by providing this service, other family sacrifices won’t have had to be made and that it will have provided a welcome relief to all.”

Inflation unexpectedly dropped to 6.7 per cent in the year to August, down from 6.8 per cent in July, official figures show but this is still above the government’s target of 5 per cent.

Food price rises have slowed but petrol and diesel prices have risen sharply over the past month to contribute to the high levels of inflation.