Stephen Morgan has praised HIVE Portsmouth’s pop-up school uniform ‘ShareStore’ and has set up a ‘School Call’ to help parents get their kids ready for the new school year.
As the cost of living crisis bites, many local parents find themselves increasingly priced out of the uniform, PE kits and other essentials needed for the new school year.
Hive Portsmouth has set-up its new pop-up school uniform ShareStore in the Central Library in Guildhall Square and is running a virtual shop online. The shop is stocked by donations from local businesses and organisations, with volunteers putting together the orders for collection.
As part of ongoing efforts to make uniform more affordable, Mr Morgan is holding a ‘School Call’ online meeting for parents on 30 August, with expert advice and support from teachers, HIVE Portsmouth, The Parenting Network and Child Poverty Action Group.
The event on zoom will be the opportunity for constituents to get practical support as well as share concerns and views over the cost of living crisis with the city MP.
The call is designed to help Portsmouth parents like Christopher. His daughter recently moved schools and he is facing a £150 bill for new, branded uniform from a single supplier.
Christopher said:
“Like any parent, I’m doing my best to make sure my kids have got the kit they need but the cost of living crisis means it’s getting harder and harder.
“Costs are spiralling, and the support parents need doesn’t always exist and can be really difficult to find.
“That’s why the HIVE’s ShareStore is so helpful and it’s really good to see local politicians like Stephen taking action on issues that matter to people like me.”
Following a visit to ShareStore, Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan, said:
“Getting pupils the uniform they need for school is always a worrying financial pressure for many families in Portsmouth, but the cost of living crisis is pushing the cost far above what many can afford.
“HIVE Portsmouth is doing invaluable work to help families get uniform for their kids and my School Call will help direct parents with the advice and support they need.
“If you’re looking for support or you are able to donate items, please do not hesitate to contact HIVE Portsmouth and come to my School Call so we can make sure every child in Portsmouth has what they need to head back to school.”
Constituents can sign up to attend Stephen’s School Call here.
Anyone who wants to make a donation can drop off school uniform at the Central Library, Guildhall Square during opening hours, or by contacting the HIVE Helpline on 023 9261 6709. The pop-up shop is looking for school uniform, shoes, coats, PE kit and school equipment. All items need to be in good condition. For more information visit https://hiveportsmouth.org.uk/news/pop-uniform-sharestore
