Mum's The Word takes off in Accrington thanks to Labour Group support

Mum’s the Word came to Accrington last Saturday. This successful initiative, set up by Rachel Rhodes and Caroline Fotios, has been such a huge hit in Blackburn they wanted to extend into Hyndburn. A chance meeting with Milnshaw Councillor Paul Cox at a BBC radio lancashire event led to them being invited to Hyndburn. Cllr Cox said "having meet these two ladies I couldn't help but be impressed at their passion for this scheme and how it could benefit the residents of Hyndburn I felt it was a natural step to move into our borough" He added "from this contact I spoke with our Portfolio holder for Community's & Wellbeing  Pam Barton, and who agreed that this was something we need in Hyndburn and saw a opportunity to help local residents with an option of cheaper school uniforms.

The project involves collecting old textiles, especially school uniforms and selling them at a fraction of the usual cost. The scheme helps hard pressed families and benefits the environment as it prevents old uniforms and clothes going to landfill.The project relies on members of the public donating their old school uniforms and textiles and a series of collection points will be available throughout the Borough in public buildings and schools for people to visit.

Caroline and Rachel were in Accrington Market Hall on Saturday 7th September promoting the scheme, so people could come and visit to see what it’s all about. There was a collection point available also where many people brought along their uniforms and textiles.

Caroline said: “We have been overwhelmed by the success of the project. There is a real interest from families and everyone has been extremely supportive. Mum’s The Word is a service for the local community and we’re constantly on the lookout for donations of school clothes, shoes and other equipment, to replenish the store. If you have any old blazers, shirts, ties, books, stationery or even tupperware, lying around the house, please drop them off at the Market Hall, so that they can go to a good home.”

Councillor Clare Pritchard, Deputy Leader of the Council said; “Thanks to everyone who came along to the Market Hall on Saturday and donated clothes and textiles. The collection point will remain here in the Market Hall for more donations, so please help if you can. Mum’s The Word is a fantastic initiative, which will benefit the wider community. We are working in partnership to ensure this scheme is a success here in Hyndburn.”

To donate any unwanted school uniforms and activity items, please use the collection point in the Market Hall. Call Caroline or Rachel on 07968 802824 for more information.