Pre-loved clothes project sells items for 50p

A community project is offering clothing for as little as 50p to help families who are struggling with the cost of living.

The Echo project, based at York House in Manor Top, Sheffield, sells pre-loved clothing, including coats, shoes, sportswear and school uniforms.

The project is run by Manor and Castle Development Trust in collaboration with community interest company Uni-Recycle, which collects and redistributes school uniforms at low prices.

Organisers said they wanted to make affordable clothing accessible to everyone while challenging the stigma sometimes associated with buying second-hand.

Manor and Castle Development Trust has been operating for almost 30 years and has about 45 members of staff.

Its work includes toddler groups, dementia support, physical health and mental wellbeing services, employment support, training and benefits advice.

Dawn Dale, the trust's community development manager, said the Echo project was named to reflect its aim of giving items a second life through reuse.

She said its low prices were designed to make clothing accessible to those who needed it, rather than to generate income.

She said the idea developed partly in response to the cost of living crisis and concerns about clothing going to landfill.

"We had a think about what we could do," she said.

"In our community there was quite a lot of stigma around second-hand clothing at that point."

Dale said brands such as John Lewis had helped the team create a boutique-style shop by advising on clothing displays and donating rails.

She said the aim was to create a shopping experience where people could find more than just school uniforms.

"While you're here looking for a school uniform, mum might see a jacket, dad might see some trainers," she said.

Dale also described York House as a place where people could meet, socialise and build friendships.

"You can come in and look for a blouse but actually while you are here you get offered a cup of tea, you can sit and do some crafting," she said.

"It break down barriers, it helps people build friendships."

As well as offering affordable, good-quality clothing, the Echo project on City Road helps people overcome barriers to taking part in physical activity.

The trust's chief executive, Lucy Warren, said the cost of trainers and gym wear could prevent some people from getting involved.

"We can, not only provide you something in the shop, but open up the opportunity for you to engage in lots of other ways," she said.

Kelly Anne Bell, also from the trust, runs the shops, which she said was about bringing people together and supporting the local community.

"This project supports so many families because school uniforms are so expensive," said Bell.

"We've had school uniforms coming in with the labels still on - for one dress it's £14 and we're offering [them for] 50p.

Shopper Kelly Prior said the project was needed in the community.

"I think it makes [people] feel more welcome in the area, knowing just a port of call where they can meet new people," she said.

"You can get everything here. I'm always a bargain hunter."

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