Newsroom Archive

The innovative “Big Winter Coats” project has ensured that over 500 children had the warm clothing and shoes they needed, as thermometers plummeted over recent weeks. 

The project is just the latest in a wide range of schemes the Council has developed to support families in need or those struggling financially in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

The nationwide lockdown, during a cold winter, has added to the problems of many families.

In autumn last year, 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 just didn’t have these items.

In response, the Council 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 Service and community groups across the borough were asked to make referrals (of children and families who needed the coats and shoes) 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. 

Cllr Paul Watling, Cabinet member for co-operative communities, engagement and partnerships said: “We have identified a huge need for children in Telford and Wrekin to get shoes and warm clothes during this difficult time, caused by the pandemic and the winter lockdown.

“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 and 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.”

The “Big Winter Coats” project is just one of a series of schemes that have been helping people across Telford and Wrekin over the past year. 

Another recent project over the February half-term holiday has seen the Council helping over 8,200 children, from families registered on free school meals or early years pupil premium benefits, as well as care leavers, with food vouchers. 

These help families to cover food costs for the one-week holiday and to free up budget for other costs, such as heating and winter bills.

The vouchers were allocated per household based on the number of children (with £15 per child and additional one-off support of £35) and can be used at a range of local supermarkets across the borough.

Other support schemes have included Council Tax reduction, Test & Trace support payments, Emergency Welfare Assistance for those unable to afford essentials such as food and heating, the Job Box service to help residents find employment as well as many others.

To make it as easy as possible for residents and families, the Council has grouped all the support available in one place, on the coronavirus website – www.telford.gov.uk/coronavirus/support

The site enables residents to check their eligibility for support schemes and apply online.

Photo (left to right): Chun (volunteer from Anstice Community Trust) and Cllr Paul Watling, Cabinet member for co-operative communities, engagement and partnerships