Dessislava works for high street homeware retailer, The White Company. After being furloughed for a number of months, Dessislava decided to apply for an FTCT grant towards the cost of school uniform for her son’s Matthew (16) and Richard (11).

"I have been furloughed since March because of the Coronavirus pandemic. My income was reduced to 80% and I still haven’t been called back to work yet. I found FTCT’s website and realised my work in retail falls under their criteria. With both boys needing secondary school uniform, I applied for one of their grants.”

Like most first time applicants, Dessislava was hesitant when she first approached our team, “This was the first time for me applying to a charity and at first I didn’t know what to expect. The grants team were extremely professional with exceptional skills. I was kept informed throughout the whole process from start to finish.”

Dessislava received a grant for school uniform and essential clothing for both boys. With the average secondary school uniform costing between £250- £350, the grant helped to ease pressure on Dessislava while her income remains significantly reduced.

“Being successful for the grant has made a huge difference to our whole family in these difficult times in the pandemic. Huge thank you to the FTCT team for their help during the process.”

How could we help you?

If you’re a parent working in the UK fashion and textile industry and are financially stretched, please find out about our grants. Read more about who we can help.