No child should miss out on school because of uniform costs.
That’s why we’re here—to make sure families across Essex can access the school clothing their children need.
In 2024 alone, we supported:
147 families through our Colchester food bank collection and drop-off point.
1,341 families through our head office and events, providing logo and generic school clothing.
A total of 16,000 items of uniform, ensuring children had the right clothing for school.
We work closely with community groups, charities, and local events, supplying uniforms to help them support families in their areas. Currently, we focus on Colchester, Harwich, and Clacton, but we’ve also helped families in Chelmsford.
As we grow in 2025 and beyond, we hope to reach families across all of Essex.
The Essex Free School Uniform Project began in Colchester, Essex, in 2019, after our CEO saw a similar initiative featured on BBC News. Inspired to make a difference, we started with just five bags of summer dresses.
Today, we hold over 1,500 items of school clothing, from Reception to Year 11, ready to be ordered by families in need.
Our project is part of DNA Networks, a registered charity and faith-based community in Colchester, dedicated to supporting families in times of need.
Over the last three years, we have secured funding to buy winter coats and shoes for children. Families can access this support through a referral system or by providing evidence of need. Our small team reviews requests within two working days to ensure children don’t have to wait.
As this project continues to grow, so will the need for support. Find out how you can help here.
