Impact report: June and July 2026
June and July saw our day-to-day referrals continue, including a real increase in full newborn bundles, everything a baby needs for their first few months of life. This summer, however, our focus shifted to Cool for School, making sure parents and children have what they need heading into the new school year. In total, we helped 159 children across these two months, 66 of them through our Cool for School service alone.
This summer marked a first for us: opening Cool for School up to families self-referring for our uniform service, meaning we could reach those who just needed a little extra help without going through a professional referral. Below are two examples of the difference this has made.
Real families, real impact
One parent was dreading the summer holidays before they’d even begun. Covering uniform, shoes and everyday essentials largely alone on a low income, every penny was already carefully budgeted, until their car broke down beyond repair, wiping out what little buffer they had left. It only takes one unexpected expense for everything to become unmanageable. We were able to provide everyday clothing to see their child through the holidays, along with books and craft activities to fill the summer days, small things, but ones this family simply couldn’t stretch to.
After many years in a demanding frontline role, one parent experienced a severe mental health breakdown and was hospitalised, leaving them unable to work. With several school-aged children to support, the family has had to turn to benefits and food banks just to manage day-to-day costs. As September approaches, the ordinary cost of a new school year, branded PE kits and cardigans across different ages and schools, became one more thing this family couldn’t absorb alone. Thanks to funds raised during Wear Stars 4 Little Stars Week, we were able to order the specific branded items that donated stock simply doesn’t cover, so every child in this family starts the term properly kitted out.
Why this matters
Since launching in 2023, Cool for School has supported over 970 children across Shropshire with uniform essentials. We rely heavily on donated pre-loved uniform, but it doesn’t always stretch to every size, style or branded item a child needs. Money raised during events like Wear Stars 4 Little Stars Week lets us fill exactly that gap, buying new where second-hand isn’t available and reaching families like these before things reach crisis point.
*Personal details have been changed or withheld to protect the privacy of the families we support.
