The idea for Heywood Uniform Hub began in January 2026, when Claire Yardley contacted Action Together with a vision to create a local space where good-quality school uniforms could be donated, reused and redistributed free of charge. The project was driven by a desire to help local families access affordable school clothing while reducing unnecessary waste. Alongside the existing online service, they hoped the Hub would offer an additional way for the community to come together, support one another and make a positive environmental impact.
Heywood Uniform Hub is proving that small acts of kindness can have a big impact. By providing free, good-quality school uniforms to local families, the Hub helps ease financial pressures while ensuring children have what they need to thrive at school. At the same time, by giving pre-loved uniforms a second life, the initiative is helping to reduce waste and keep perfectly usable clothing out of landfill, supporting a more sustainable future for everyone.
Starting out
The vision for the Hub was simple: to create a welcoming, community-based space where families in Heywood could browse and choose good-quality school uniforms free of charge. Through conversations with local families, it became clear that there was a strong demand for a physical hub where parents and children could view uniforms in person and select items that best met their needs.
Claire highlighted that this is particularly important for children with disabilities, autism and other forms of neurodiversity. For many of these children, comfort is a key consideration, and being able to see, touch and try different fabrics can make a significant difference. Some children may also require multiple sets of uniform throughout the year due to wear and tear, making access to affordable replacement items especially valuable for families.
To help meet this need, Heywood Uniform Hub Uniform Hub has now partnered with St Luke's Church to establish a drop-in service within the church over the school summer holidays. Open to all families, the Hub aims to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone can access support with dignity, while helping to remove any stigma that can sometimes be associated with receiving assistance.
Funding to fruition
With support from Action Together, the project received an initial Seed Fund grant of £500 to help establish the Hub. The funding was used to purchase practical items such as storage boxes and clothing rails, creating a well-organised space where donated uniforms can be stored, displayed and easily accessed by local families.
- Wednesdays, 10am to 12pm
- Saturdays, 10am to 12pm
- Sundays, 11:30am to 1:30pm (except the first Sunday of the month)
Can you help?
- Uniform Donations: Donations of clean, good quality uniform are always welcome, and help the Hub support more local families. See a full list of donation locations HERE
- Laundry Volunteers: Space in your washing machine? Laundry volunteers to help prepare donated school uniform. Simply collect a bag of uniform, wash it at home, and return it clean, fresh and nearly folded. You don't need to commit lots of time. Whether you can help regularly or just do the occasional load, every bit of support helps
- Delivery Volunteers: Can you help with a car or van to help move the donations from collection points to their storage facility?
If you can help with any of the above,check out their Facebook page HERE, or drop a line to: heywooduniformhub@gmail.com
Have you got an idea for your community? Let’s make it happen
Get in touch with our Community Development Teams in either Oldham, Rochdale or Tameside. We're here to help turn ideas into action, and we can support you with our wealth of experience. Call 0161 339 2345 or email development@actiontogether.org.uk
