Derry school uniform pop-up shop opens in Rath Mor Centre

The Focus Project, based at Creggan Enterprises Rath Mor Centre, has officially opened its much-valued Uniform Pop-Up Shop for the fifth consecutive year. Located in the former hairdresser’s unit in Rath Mor Centre, the scheme offers a wide selection of new and pre-loved school uniform items, generously donated by local families, schools, and businesses.

The scheme continues to accept donations and will post regular requests for items so encourages people to submit requests if the item they need is not currently in stock.

The primary aim of the scheme is to support families facing the significant cost of school uniforms, but it is open to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances.

“No questions are asked about income or eligibility – if a family wants to save money or simply reduce waste, they are welcome to come,” said Focus Project Coordinator Amie Gallagher. “It just makes sense to reuse perfectly good clothing.” 

This year, the project has introduced a donation guide for those who are able to contribute:

• Blazers  £5–£7Secondary jumpers and cardigans £4
• Primary jumpers and cardigans £3
• Skirts and trousers £3
• Shirts, summer dresses, coats, bags, and shoes –Free

All contributions are anonymous and placed in a donation bucket – no one can see what’s given. Discretion will always be applied to anyone unable to donate. Any funds raised will go directly towards additional school costs for local families, including stationery packs and discretionary uniform support for those in significant need.

The pop-up will be open every Tuesday and Friday throughout July, and every Tuesday and Thursday in August, 10.00am - 4.00pm, running up to the Rath Mor Family Fun Day on Saturday, August 16, when free stationery packs will be distributed to children.

The initiative is run entirely by dedicated Focus Project volunteers – local parents and grandparents who know first-hand the pressure of preparing children for school, especially during the costly summer months.

Since launching in 2020, the scheme has grown year on year. Gallagher noted, “We are so grateful for the ongoing support from the community, local schools, and businesses. With the cost of living continuing to rise, many working families still don’t qualify for uniform grants. The recent increase of £390 to the eligibility threshold is simply not enough, and the amounts for those eligible are completely inadequate, particularly for secondary school uniforms.”

A selection of uniforms on display

The Focus Project, funded by the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust, has joined others in the sector in calling for statutory guidance on school uniform costs. “We need clear, enforceable steps to reduce this unnecessary burden on families,” Gallagher added.

“We also call on local schools and Boards of Governors to step up as community leaders , to work with families and ensure school uniforms are affordable. Education should be free and accessible in every way, throughout a child’s entire school journey. In that same spirit, we believe free school meals should be universal.”

For further details on the scheme, visit FocusProject Derry on Facebook or contact amie@rathmor.com.