HELENSBURGH and Lomond parents struggling to cover the cost of school uniforms can now rely on help from a new community initiative.

The Helensburgh Uniform Bank (HUB) has been set up by the Youth Strategy Team at Helensburgh Parish Church to provide free items of uniform to those families who struggle with the ongoing costs of replacing school kit.

The volunteer-led scheme is working closely alongside local schools, taking donations of new and second-hand uniforms before laundering, sorting and storing the clothes ready to be distributed.

Parents will be able to pick up items of uniform from the parish church in Colquhoun Street or in Rosneath and orders are currently being taken ahead of the new school term, which starts next week.

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Project members say they want to "establish a caring culture in Helensburgh and beyond".

The HUB's Emily Harvey-Cartmell said: "We are very aware that Covid-19 has had a profound impact on many families throughout the country and we want to reach out and help those worst affected.

"Our vision was to help support local families who may be struggling with the ongoing costs of school uniform by providing new and second-hand items for free."

The uniform bank is currently taking donations and orders; more information and contact details can be found at helensburghuniformbank.org.uk or on the project's Facebook page.

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