A HUB has been created in Flintshire to help those struggling with the cost of new school uniforms.

As another term comes to an end, and with the youngest learners set to return to the classroom soon, many will be looking to get their youngsters kitted out with everything they need.

However, the cost of new uniforms - including shoes and PE kits - can reach hundreds of pounds per child.

A community group has since been formed within the last few days to provide help across the county for parents who may need (or can offer) a helping hand.

The group ‘School Uniform Exchange’ has received donations for schools in Mold, Buckley, Connah’s Quay and beyond in the short period of time it has been set up. They’ve also had donations of winter coats which will be needed as freezing temperatures are set to stay around for a while.

County councillor for Aston, Helen Brown said she wanted to build on the amazing community spirit shown in Connah’s Quay following the Deeside crisis centre established by Cllr Bernie Attridge earlier this week.

Helen explained how after setting up the page she has been “blown away” by the caring community that has jumped in to provide help from all corners of Flintshire in just a matter of days.

She said: “There’s a huge need out there and with kids hopefully going back to school soon there are probably going to be a lot of outgrown uniforms that were hardly worn before we all went into lockdown.

“We know people will be struggling on furlough and with job losses – they might not be able to get out and buy new things either – so we wanted to help lift any barriers and that is where the uniform exchange came from.”

She added that the group should have as much of Flintshire covered as possible with teams working to distribute uniforms to hubs near those school areas to avoid people travelling around.

Meanwhile, Dale Selvester - who owns the White Lion pub in Buckley with dad Paul and wife Hayley - has set up a collection hub in his currently closed venue.

The dad-of-two told the Leader: “With all the current restrictions on pubs, and the fact we aren’t trading as normal, we thought we’d offer up our car park and pub as a venue for people to collect uniforms from.

“The crisis centre in Deeside really spurred this into reality. It’s great seeing what neighbours are willing to do for neighbours. Its one of the really good things that has come from this pandemic.

“If it helps people who are struggling have one less thing to worry about then that’s all that matters. We are all working together in a time of crisis – we are one big network of support.”

Dale is hoping to hold the first donated uniform exchange following all safety guidelines on Saturday's - once donations are safe to go out - for Buckley schools. In the meantime, he is accepting donations that will go into the usual quarantine period.

Not too far away, Councillor Ant Turton, also a dad-of-two, is working to have a hub in his community of Mancot at the local library.

He said: “I know first-hand how much school uniforms can cost as a parent, so I was more than happy to offer up my help in getting something organised for the community.

“I’m already with trustees at the local library - which is closed at the minuet for general use - on something else so this seemed like a good thing to tag on and make use of the venue – obviously following all restrictions.

“We’ll look to stock up on what our children going to local schools near to Mancot will need but we are stretching out to have winter coats - especially with the cold weather still about – and PE kits which can be just as expensive.

“The whole thing has been a real show of what our communities are all about – the people. We care for one another and this has really shown that.”

For anyone seeking help, it was made clear that the team are just a message away.

You can reach out via Facebook by following the group’s page or, for those not able to access social media, the following contact numbers are available:

• Ant – 07704 171625

• Dale – 07745 462862

• Helen – 07497 767981