Stories

Sat, 08 Aug 2026

Sat, 08 Aug 2026 Shop selling second-hand school uniforms for £5

A charity for families facing poverty runs the swap shop for uniforms to help with the cost of living.

* A charity shop in east London is providing school uniforms for £5, helping families struggling with the rising cost of living.
* Over 1,000 items of branded and generic uniform are available at the S.M.I.L.E. London & Essex swap shop.
* Families can donate their old uniforms and pick up new ones for £5, saving them thousands of pounds compared to buying new.
* The average cost of a school uniform is around £250, with PE kit costing an additional £140.
* One father said the swap shop has made it easier for his family to prepare for the school year.
* The swap shop is open until 22 August and people can also donate back-to-school packs for disadvantaged families.