I was pleased to be shown around the fantastic Cowshed charity today by the CEO Sally Russell, I was interested to see the fantastic work they do across Berkshire including in Wokingham and Reading Boroughs.
In the last few weeks, they have been frantically busy providing school uniforms for families who simply can't afford to buy them. There is a worrying trend of logo-heavy uniforms with highly specialised sports clothing rather than the white airtex of my days. These are of course unaffordable for many parents. Laura Blumenthal and I will be asking some questions at the Borough Council about what the Council can do to encourage schools to make their uniforms more affordable. More about that in due course.
Cow Shed had so many other schemes I will struggle to cover them all, helping care leavers, toys, new baby boxes, prom dresses and suits for loan which can be unaffordable, everyday clothes - all beautifully packed with home made, superbly designed, packaging produced by their craft group.
People needing assistance are referred through many routes including social services, charities, doctors, schools and health professionals.
This is a great organisation as it not only helps people in Crisis who need it but also provides a route to recycle good quality used clothing and other equipment.
