School launches free service to combat cost of living crisis
Thomas Gainsborough School launches Happy Shed donation service. Photo: Gooderham PR.
A school has organised a free exchange service offering free uniform, toiletries and other forms of clothing in response to the cost of living crisis.
The Happy Shed has started at Great Cornard Leisure Centre, which is part of Thomas Gainsborough School, to help school families and others in their local community.
The discreet space has already been supported by local organisations and will work alongside the centre’s existing Warm Spaces programme run from Great Cornard Library.
Liz Clements, premises manager at the school, said: “We have all read about families up and down the country who are currently struggling. As a school, we wanted to do something to help and we were delighted to get donations of clothing, toiletries and even some dry food items.
“While these items are available for our school families to take away for free, this is also a service for our entire community.”
The Happy Shed has been supported by the North Essex Support Team charity in Colchester and the Tots 2 Teens Colchester baby bank.
The Happy Shed is open every Wednesday and Thursday from 1.30pm until 4pm.
Anyone who would like to donate items should do so by dropping them off at Thomas Gainsborough School during school hours or at Great Cornard Leisure Centre between 5pm and 10pm on weekdays and 9am to 5pm at weekends.