School Uniform Hub 2026

School Uniform Hub Returns for its fourth year in partnership with Derby Food 4 thought Association.

We’re pleased to announce the return of our school uniform appeal to support local families will be returning in august once again.

The initiative, which is organised by DF4TA and supported by Derbion, aims to support the region’s children by providing much-needed school uniform items, ahead of the new academic year.

From 1 July until 10 August, families can drop off unwanted school uniform in the large donation box situated outside Sainsbury’s on Level 1 at Derbion. Families are welcome to contribute both branded and unbranded items, including blazers, jumpers, cardigans, shirts, polos, trousers, skirts, PE shorts, plain tracksuits and more. All donations, whether new or used, should be clean and in good condition.

In addition, from Monday 10 – Friday 14 August, between 10am and 4pm (with a break between 12:00-12:30), families can visit the School Uniform Hub at Derbion in the Community Hub located on Level 1 near to M&S to donate or pick up pre-loved school uniform.

The School Uniform Hub will ensure that all donated items go to families who need them most, supporting the local community as they prepare for the new school year. As part of its ‘Derbion Cares’ initiative, this year marks Derbion’s fourth year supporting DF4TA with its school uniform appeal.

How can you help?

For further information on The School Uniform Hub and other services that Derby Food 4 Thought offer, please click the link below.

https://www.derbyfood4thoughtalliance.org.uk/get-support/school-uniform-hub

Please note : To help keep the service sustainable and enable DF4TA to continue supporting families throughout the year, there is a small charge for school uniform items supplied through the hub. Funds received are reinvested directly into supporting local families and maintaining the service.

Up to 3 items: £2 per child
4 – 6 Items: £5 per child
7 – 9 Items £8 per child
Shoes are not included in the item count and are subject to availability.

Payments can be made cash or card on the day.

FAQs

When will the School Uniform Hub be open?

The School Uniform Hub will be open from Monday 10 to Friday 14 August 10am – 4pm.

Please note the Hub will be closed for lunch between 12:00-12:30 each day.

Where will it be located?

The Hub will be located in our Community Hub space which is located on level 1 opposite M&S.

What can I expect when I visit?

On arrival you will be greeted by one of our volunteers. They will ask you a few questions to ensure you meet the criteria to be able to receive uniform through our hub.

The clothing available will be displayed around the hub.

Each child will be able to claim
- 2 x polo shirts or shirts,
- 1 x jumper, 1 x trousers or skirt
- Plus additional items such as PE kits, blazers, ties, trainers etc.

When you are ready to leave, you will need to visit one of our volunteers for them to check your items out.

We’re expecting the School Uniform Hub to be popular so at busy times there may be a queue as we try to manage the amount of people in the Hub at any one time. We will do our best to minimise this as much as possible.

Please be aware there are no fitting rooms available. Trying on items will not be possible due to limited space in the hub.

Space is limited within the hub so we advise families to visit in as small numbers as possible and to minimise the amount of pushchairs into the hub.

There is access for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

Are you offering calmer shopping times?

We will reduce the capacity in the School Uniform Hub between 10am – 11am to give a slighter calmer, quieter experience.

Who will qualify to received uniform?

Support is available to families experiencing financial hardship or facing circumstances that make it difficult to provide school uniform for their children.

Eligibility is assessed on an individual basis and may include:

- Families on a low income struggling to meet essential household costs
- People experiencing financial hardship and engaging with support services
- Those awaiting their first Universal Credit payment
- Households affected by a change in benefits or income
- Individuals affected by physical or mental health issues
- People experiencing homelessness or being rehoused
- Victims of crime facing short-term financial difficulties
- People with no access to public funds who are seeking support to address underlying issue
- Individuals facing a significant life event affecting their financial circumstances
- Children starting a new school who do not have suitable uniform
- Families new to Derby or the local area who are unable to obtain school uniform

Every application is considered individually to ensure support reaches those who need it most.

Where can I make uniform donations?

You can make uniform donations at the Derbion Donation Station located outside Sainsbury’s on level 1 until 13 August.

Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance also have other donation points which are listed on their website: www.derbyfood4thoughtalliance.org.uk

If you are a business or have a large donation to make, please contact [email protected] to arrange a drop off.

If you unable to donate uniform but would like to make a monetary donation please head to the Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance website, using reference School2026. A donation of £15 would help buy new uniform to put into our shop, please don’t forget to gift aid as well.

 https://www.derbyfood4thoughtalliance.org.uk/donate

Will I be able to get everything I need from the Hub for my child(ren)?

Stock and size availability will be dependant on the donations we receive so we cannot guarantee you will find everything you need for your child’s specific school and size.

Do I need an appointment?

You do not need an appointment to visit the School Uniform Hub but if you need specific advise or support then please contact Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance via email at [email protected] or call us at the community hub on 01332227728

Can I pre-order uniform I know I need?

You will not be able to pre-order uniform and will be based on stock availability at the time you visit the hub.

I know a family in need of support, can I refer them?

If you know someone in need of a school uniform, please contact DFFTA at [email protected] or call us at the community hub on 01332 3461266

I need to talk about further help, how can I get in touch?

DF4TA are aware of various channels of support available to residents of Derby. If you call in advance of your visit we can advise you of other current support that might be available to you alongside accessing the uniform support. We understand it is difficult times for many and we want to make sure all support available is accessed. please contact DF4TA at [email protected] or call us on 01332 227728

Is there any Costs asscociated with collecting Uniform.

To help keep the service sustainable and enable DF4TA to continue supporting families throughout the year, there is a small charge for school uniform items supplied through the hub. Funds received are reinvested directly into supporting local families and maintaining the service.

Up to 3 items: £2 per child
4-6 Items: £5 per child
7-9 Items £8 per child

Shoes are not included in the item count and are subject to availability.

Payments can be made cash or card, and we’ll remind parents when they apply so nobody is caught off guard.