A brand new clothing bank supplying good quality free clothing has been officially opened in Middlesbrough by Mayor David Budd and members of the Talent Match Middlesbrough Youth Panel.
Actes, a Middlesbrough based charity, has secured funding from the Talent Match Middlesbrough’s Innovation Fund and Middlesbrough’s Financial Inclusion Group to open Trending, a new concept clothing bank aimed at reducing the stigma attached to receiving clothing donations.
The project aims to supply formal, casual clothing and work wear to individuals so that they can be better equipped for employment, education and training. It will also provide casual clothing for those without disposable income.
Actes staff, with help from the Youth Panel at Talent Match Middlesbrough, and volunteers from Teesside University, have created both a real and a virtual shop offering what it hopes is an inspirational, positive customer experience aimed at removing some of the pressures faced by families in Middlesbrough at times of need.
Trending, which uses design inspiration from Teesside’s industrial heritage has been welcomed as a much needed community resource by public, private and voluntary organisations.
Actes, Chief Executive, Sandra Phillips said: “Trending is a clothing bank with a difference. All of the clothing is good quality, washed, ironed and made fit for purpose on site.
“People can bid for the clothes they want without any financial transaction taking place through the Trending Facebook page and then collect their clothing from the boutique inspired Trending shop. We hope that this enables people to accept free clothing donations with dignity as they are receiving the same shopping experience that they might get from any high street or online retailer.
“Through the development of positive partnerships with other organisations we are providing a service which aims to help those in need improve their confidence and self-esteem whilst giving them the motivation to move forward with their lives.”
Middlesbrough Mayor Dave Budd said: “Clothing banks and food banks really should not need to exist anywhere but so long as they do they need to be applauded and supported in their endeavours.
“It is no secret that many families and individuals in Middlesbrough are inordinately in need of assistance due to the Government’s austerity politics.
“For that reason I hope those who can be helped by Trending do pay a visit and are able to benefit from what is a very laudable and well-focused project offering much-needed assistance.”
There are a number of ways to get involved with Trending both as a volunteer and through the donation of good quality clothing. If you know someone who is in need of the service, contact Trending on 01642 232872 or search for ‘Trending Middlesbrough’ on Facebook to find the virtual shop.