Ryde Town Council is pleased to announce the return of its popular School Uniform Swap Shop, taking place this August at its new venue, Network Ryde, 50 St Thomas’s Street, Ryde. The event aims to help families prepare for the new school year while saving money and promoting sustainability.
Volunteers from Ryde Timebank will once again be supporting the event by helping with set-up and packing away.
Following the success of last year’s event, which welcomed more than 100 families, the Swap Shop is expected to be another valuable community initiative. Families are invited to donate clean, good-quality school uniform items they no longer need, including jumpers, trousers, skirts, shirts, PE kits and school shoes. Visitors can then browse the available stock and take any items they need completely free of charge.
With the cost of living continuing to affect many households, the initiative provides practical support to local families while encouraging the reuse of clothing that still has plenty of life left, helping to reduce textile waste.
As in previous years, the event will also act as a collection point for clean, pre-loved soft toys, which will be donated to Ryde Carnival for use in its popular Teddy Tombola fundraising events throughout the summer.
The Community Development Team said:
“School uniforms can be a significant expense for families. This event allows families to donate items they no longer need and pick up what they need for the new school year completely free of charge. It’s a simple way for the community to support one another while reducing waste.”
Everyone is welcome to attend, whether they are donating items, looking for school uniform, or both. There is no requirement to donate in order to take items home. The event offers a simple and sustainable way to recycle pre-loved school uniform rather than sending it to landfill. All donated items should be clean and in good condition.
Event Dates
- Friday 7 August 2026 – 10.00am to 1.30pm
- Saturday 8 August 2026 – 10.00am to 2.00pm
- Friday 14 August 2026 – 10.00am to 1.30pm
- Friday 21 August 2026 – 10.00am to 1.30pm
- Friday 28 August 2026 – 10.00am to 1.30pm
Venue: Network Ryde, 50 St Thomas’s Street, Ryde For further information, please contact community@rydetowncouncil.gov.uk