As the new school year approaches, many families connected to the fashion and textile industry are facing significant back-to-school expenses. 

What parents have told us

Our recent survey of 54 parents working within the UK fashion and textile industry who had received grants from FTCT has found that

• 75% of respondents reported experiencing extreme stress due to back-to-school expenses.
• 70% of parents find it impossible to set aside money specifically for back-to-school expenses.

Among the list of back-to-school costs, parents identified their primary financial concerns as uniform costs, buying a laptop or tablet, participating in extracurricular activities, school meals, transportation, and childcare.

We cannot ignore the harsh reality that children across the UK are being left behind at school due to economic challenges, including those of fashion and textile families.

That's why throughout July, we will be raising funds and awareness of our grants, with the aim of easing the back-to-school worry for fashion and textile families living in financial hardship.

A Note From Anna Pangbourne, CEO of FTCT.

“Through the campaign, we want to reflect the lived experiences of the families who approach us for support. We can’t ignore the harsh reality that children right across the UK are being left behind at school due to economic challenges- this includes the children of colleagues within the fashion and textile sector,” 

“This time of year brings a significant increase in costs for parents, and the financial stress can be very intense for families in serious hardship. Throughout the campaign, the fashion and textile industry is encouraged to rally together to ease the back-to-school period for families and ensure every child has everything they need to thrive in school.”

Get Involved
Companies and individuals are encouraged to get involved and help us to reach our campaign goal.

Donations can be made here

Or companies can order a fundraising pack by emailing [email protected]. Follow the campaign on social media using the hashtag #mybacktoschoolcost.

More information can be found at: ftct.org.uk/Appeal/b2s-2024

Get Involved

Companies and individuals are encouraged to get involved and help the Trust reach their campaign goal.

Donations can be made online at ftct.org.uk, or companies can order a fundraising pack by emailing [email protected]. Follow the campaign on social media using the hashtag #mybacktoschoolcost.

More information can be found at: ftct.org.uk/Appeal/b2s-2024