Parents and guardians in the region are encouraged to attend the Back to School One Stop Shop events, organized by Dumfries & Galloway Council.
These events provide an opportunity for families to collect free new and pre-loved school uniforms, stationery, and even haircuts for their children. The aim of these events is to alleviate the financial burden on families as they prepare for the upcoming school year.
To ensure year-round access to free school uniforms, Dumfries & Galloway Council has established six permanent School Uniform Banks throughout the region. Each location boasts a substantial stock of school uniforms in excellent to good condition, catering to the specific requirements of the schools in proximity to the uniform banks.
In addition to providing school uniforms and stationery, the One Stop Shop events will feature the presence of professional hairdressers, generously offering free “Back to School Trims” for children. This service aims to help students look their best as they commence the new academic year.
The three events are
Sunday, August 13, 2023, from 11 am to 3 pm at the Oasis Youth Centre, situated on Newall Terrace in Dumfries (postcode: DG1 1LW).
Friday, August 18, 2023, another event will take place at The Ryan Centre, located on Fairhurst Road in Stranraer (postcode: DG9 7AP).
Saturday, August 19, 2023, at Newstart Recycle, found on Queensberry Street in Annan (postcode: DG12 5BL).
For those unable to attend the events, Dumfries & Galloway Council has established six permanent free Back to School Uniform Donation and Collection Points across the region. These points operate throughout the year, providing an ongoing resource for families in need. The locations are as follows:
- Reuse Recycle – Enterprise House, situated on Fountain Way in Stranraer (postcode: DG9 7UD). Contact number: 01776 707375.
- Newton Stewart Initiative Community Shop – Located at Dashwood Square in Newton Stewart (postcode: DG8 6EQ). Contact number: 01671 401449.
- Dalbeattie Community Initiative – Found at 71 High Street in Dalbeattie (postcode: DG5 4HA). Contact number: 01556 612752.
- Castle Douglas Town Shop – Situated at 188 King Street in Castle Douglas (postcode: DG7 1DB).
- Action for Children – Located at Kirkfield on Greystone Avenue in Kelloholm (postcode: DG4 6RB). Contact number: 01659 66135.
- Newstart Recycle – Provost Mill, situated on North Queensberry Street in Annan (postcode: DG12 5BL). Contact number: 01461 202430.
- SHAX Shop – Found at 4 Nith Street in Dumfries (postcode: DG1 2PW). This location is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm. Contact number: 01387 245358.
These permanent collection points ensure that families have convenient access to free school uniforms, further promoting the principles of reuse and recycling.
Through the provision of free school uniforms, stationery, haircuts, and other essential items, Dumfries & Galloway Council aims to support families and foster equal educational opportunities for all children throughout the region. The council hopes that these initiatives will contribute to a level playing field for all students, regardless of their financial circumstances, as they embark on a new school year.
