Help with clothing

Local groups and organisations can support you if you are struggling to afford clothing for you or your family .

The Cowshed is a charity that gives good quality cleaned and ironed clothes and other essentials to people in need in Berkshire.

Help with school uniform

If you are struggling with the cost of school uniforms, you might be able to get help from First Day. They can help with many items as well as school uniforms, such as baby essentials, travel items, toiletries, safety equipment, furniture, toys and books.

You might be able to find further support through the Reading Services Guide .

Smart Works provides women in the Thames Valley area with high quality clothes and accessories for a job interview. The service works on referral. It is open to women who have a confirmed job interview for a paid position, apprenticeship, internship or voluntary work.

You will receive coaching with a human resources professional or senior manager. This includes one-to-one interview preparation. If you are successful at interview, you will get five more pieces of clothing so you feel ready and confident in your new role.

Reading Job Centre Plus – If you need smart clothes for an interview or work, speak to your work coach. They can help you apply for help from the Flexible Support Fund.

New Beginnings Reading provides a free café for anyone who wants to sit and relax in a friendly and happy atmosphere. They also run a toiletries and clothing service.

Contact New Beginnings on 07421 998208 or via their New Beginnings contact form for more information.

Whitley Community Development Association is a local organisation. It is based in the South Reading Community Centre. It has some funding to support winter clothing for residents. Please contact them to see what support they currently have.

Contact Whitley Community Development Association on 0118 374 0052 or via the Whitley Community Development Association contact form for more information.

The Weller Centre provides activities, events, and services for residents of Caversham. It also has some funding to support winter clothing for residents. Please contact them directly to see what available support they currently have.