Friends of Castle Hill Uniform Shop

Introduction

The Friends of Castle Hill School is a dedicated, volunteer-led Parent-Teacher Association based in Brockworth, Gloucester, committed to enhancing the educational experience for our children while also supporting the families within our community. Our income for the last financial year was over £14,000 including a £5,000 grant from a national organisation and a huge fundraising effort from our community. However, with the rising cost of living, many of our families face financial difficulties that can impede their children’s education. We aim to alleviate some of these pressures by creating a sustainable support system through our second-hand uniform sales initiative.

The Need for Enhanced Storage

Currently, our second-hand uniform shop serves as a valuable resource for families, especially those on lower incomes. Unfortunately, our existing storage space is inadequate, damaging our stock and limiting our capacity to serve the community effectively. The current environment is not only detrimental to the maintenance of uniforms but also poses challenges in organisation and accessibility for families in need.

To meet the increasing demand for affordable school uniforms and ensure the longevity of our stock, we propose the construction of a dedicated storage shed equipped with a covered area specifically designed for sales. This structure is essential for the sustainability of our second-hand shop, allowing us to expand our offerings and better support our local families.

The Vision: Construction of a Second Hand Uniform Shop

Scheduled for installation in July 2025, our planned structure will facilitate the continued operation of our second-hand shop. The total cost of the project stands at £20,000, encompassing the following breakdown:

• £10,000 for the storage structure (including removal and disposal of current structure). This would also encompass a covered seating area for sales and other fundraising events.
• £5,000 for tarmac flooring, providing a clean, safe, and accessible space for volunteers to manage the stock and ease the shopping experience for families.
• £5,000 for fixture, fittings and maintenance, including shelving, display areas ensuring a user-friendly environment for our community

We are seeking a contribution of £5,000 towards this total cost, which will be pivotal in making this project a reality.

Impact on Families and School-Age Children

The success of the second-hand shop is not merely measured by the items sold but by the families we positively impact. Many families in our community are grappling with heightened financial strain and often struggle to afford the necessary school attire for their children. By providing good-quality, affordable options, we can help remove the financial barriers that hinder a child’s access to education and foster a sense of belonging within the school.

In the past year alone, our second-hand shop has distributed over 500 items of clothing, supporting numerous families in the process. With improved storage and sales facilities, we foresee a substantial increase in availability and stock turnover, leading to even more families benefiting from our services.

Generating Income and Supporting Our Charity

Beyond helping low-income families, the sales from our second-hand shop will continue to generate income for the Friends of Castle Hill School charity. This income is crucial for funding additional initiatives, educational resources, and community-building activities that enhance our pupils’ learning experiences. Our aim is to create a self-sustaining environment where the needs of students and families are met through the collaborative efforts of volunteers from our school community.

A Call to Action

As a community, we have a collective responsibility to ensure that every child has access to the resources they need to thrive in their educational journey. By supporting our proposal, you are not only contributing to the physical structure of our storage facility but also investing in the brighter futures of our children. Together, we can build a resilient network of support that uplifts families during challenging times and empowers children to succeed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Friends of Castle Hill School is eager to move forward with our plans to improve our second-hand shop’s facilities. Your contribution of £5,000 will be instrumental in making this vision a reality, helping us create a sustainable support system for the families of Brockworth. We aim to cultivate a nurturing environment where every child can focus on their education without the burden of financial strain. Let us join hands to turn this vision into reality, ensuring that our children can thrive together.

Thank you for considering our bid. We look forward to your support in helping us enhance learning opportunities for all pupils at Castle Hill School.