Big Winter Coats project keeps hundreds of children warm throughout winter in Telford
A community project has ensured more than 500 children in Telford had warm clothing and shoes throughout winter.
The Big Winter Coats project has been undertaken by The Anstice Community Trust, Telford & Wrekin Council and other local partners.
Last autumn, schools across the borough told the council that increasing numbers of children were arriving at school without a winter coat or appropriate shoes. This was not from personal choice but because their families did not have these items.
In response, the authority and its community services team has worked with The Anstice Community Trust to develop a scheme to help keep children warm during the winter freeze.
Schools, children’s services and community groups across the borough were asked to make referrals of children and families who needed the clothing directly to the council. So far, hundreds of children in need across the borough have benefitted.
To ensure the coats and shoes were delivered to the children who needed them, council teams worked in partnership with Councillor Kelly Middleton, who initiated the school uniform appeal last year, and The Anstice Community Trust.
The Anstice has been ordering the coats and shoes and arranged for its volunteers to deliver the clothing to the family address or to the children’s school.
Councillor Paul Watling, cabinet member for co-operative communities, engagement and partnerships said: “We have identified a huge need for children in Telford & Wrekin to get shoes and warm clothes during this difficult time, caused by the pandemic and the winter lockdown.
Incredible
“Working alongside our trusted partners from The Anstice, we have already delivered over 470 coats and 330 pairs of shoes across all areas of Telford & Wrekin.
“It has been incredible doing this. I’ve been personally making deliveries with the Anstice Trust and it has been brilliant to see the reactions of those families who have been getting our help at this time of need.”
Lyndy Boden and Karen Price from the The Anstice Community Trust added: “It’s been really great and rewarding to be part of the Big Winter Coats project, getting quality coats and shoes to children across the borough who don’t have them.
“We have been doing the admin, taking the orders from the council – based on referrals received from schools and children’s services – as well as buying, sorting and delivering the items to families through our volunteers. We’ve been very busy in the last couple of months.
“We are very proud to partner with the council and be involved in this project, making such a difference to those families in need at these challenging times.”
Chun, one of the volunteers involved in the project, said: “I have the pleasure to go and deliver the coats and shoes, knock at the door, seeing the faces light up – it’s quite a rewarding experience
“It’s an honour being part of a project that helps borough families in such as way.”
