Free school uniform pop-up helps Trafford families prepare for the new term

Families across Trafford have been picking up free school uniforms at a week-long pop-up shop at Stretford Public Hall.

Run by the charity Bridging the Gap, the event offers good-quality pre-loved uniforms alongside brand-new items funded by the L&Q Foundation.

Open daily from 1-3pm, it welcomes all Trafford residents, not just L&Q households.

L&Q awarded £5,000 through its Foundation grant scheme to support Bridging the Gap’s year-long uniform project.

The funding helps keep costs down for families and ensures more children can start school feeling confident and ready to learn. L&Q teams also refer families to the charity for direct support.

Megan Slade, Community Development Lead at L&Q’s Foundation, said:

“It’s been a pleasure to work with the South Trafford Foodbank on their Bridging the Gap project, and even more so to witness their amazing work today.

Seeing the impact of our funding in the local community is brilliant, and I’m proud to offer this through L&Q’s Foundation grant scheme.”

Local dad Darren Dunn, who has five children, said the pop-up was a huge help.

“With a large family and five growing kids, having a pop-up shop like this is a blessing and a godsend,” said Darren, who lives in Sale.

“It takes away so much of the stress of getting ready for the new term."

The event has already supported dozens of local families, helping them save money and ensuring children have the school clothes they need for September.