Parents are being offered free school uniform amid the cost of living crisis.

As the summer holidays draw to a close and children get ready to return to school, one charity is offering cut-price clothing and stationary.

The Salvation Army in Maidstone has offered parents the chance come and choose donated new and used uniform or supplies for free.

It is also offering a free collection of new toys for future birthdays and Christmases.

Church and charity leader Captain Marion Rouffet revealed they are seeing an increase in people need help after supporting more than 50 families last year.

She said: "We are running differently this year as we have opened these events to anyone who wants to come, in the knowledge that many people who are struggling financially would not ask for help but would come to an open event.

"We have seen an increased number of people coming, but the conversations parents and carers are having with us is that they are more anxious about finance than before and that basics like food and uniform are now beyond their reach if they prioritise their bills. Last year things might have been tight but they were managing.

'The number of people struggling and approaching us for support is rising...'

"People are coming for help for the first time who never thought they would need to visit a food or uniform bank, and often these are people who are working.

"The number of people who are struggling and approaching us for support, whether this be support with practical things like food and school uniform, or who need someone to listen and share their mental load with, is rising."

The charity leader also said many people find it hard to come for help, which is why The Salvation Army hosts open events.

She added: The important thing in setting this up is to support people with the cost of uniforms and give an opportunity to put things away for Christmas or birthdays, taking some of the anxiety out of the winter months.

“None of us know what the impact of the coming energy prices and inflation will look like for people in real terms, but we know that in our community people are anxious about money and many are already struggling.”

“Giving people giving opportunities to plan for the coming months, is one way of ensuring dignity in a difficult situation.

“We started collecting uniform last summer and distributed this directly to families via early help and social services.

"We have had refreshments available, so those coming can sit down and rest or chat with volunteers."

Volunteer Carole Dodd explained this is that charity's second year and that uniform can be costly, coupled with the ongoing cost of living crisis, and they want to help ease the burden of paying for it on parents.

Ms Dodd said: “This is just our second year, and we are very much learning as we go, but if we can just help a few families, then I feel it is very worthwhile.

“Branded uniform is very costly in this area, and I am concerned for the finances and well-being of families under such pressure, with everything going up.

"Also, it is better to recycle uniforms than many items going into landfill. We are very blessed here in Maidstone with so many lovely volunteers that have come onboard with this project.”

One woman, who has taken advantage of the service, but didn't want to be named, said: “Everyone was so welcoming to us and any insecurities we had about being there quickly vanished.

“I was lucky enough to get a school coat and bag for my daughter, as well as a couple of presents for her birthday in October.

I was also lucky enough to pick up socks and all the stationery needed for my son to do his GCSE coursework in September.

“My eldest daughter could not make the event, but we were fortunate to be able to pick up some Christmas presents to put away for her little one on her behalf. This will help immensely.”

The last event this summer takes place on Wednesday, August 31, at the Maidstone Salvation Army Church and Community Centre, at 74-80 Union Street, Maidstone.