The initiative was made possible through donations of more than 400 jackets to the council’s annual Winter Jacket Appeal.

Delivered in partnership with the council’s Social Work Justice Unpaid Work Service and 14 local schools, the appeal provides practical support at a time when rising living costs continue to put pressure on many local families.

At Trinity High School for example, pupils transformed a classroom into a welcoming space designed to look like a clothes shop, allowing families to browse and choose from a wide range of good‑quality jackets with confidence and respect. This was led by their Cost of the School Day Pupil Ambassadors supported by Equity Deputes, Mrs Simpson and Mrs Marks.

Head Teacher Carol McArdle said: “Alongside jackets, pre‑loved school uniforms and gym kits were also made available, helping to limit the Cost of the School Day and ensuring poverty is not a barrier to the success of our pupils.

“Promoting sustainability and living out the values of Laudato Si were also key, encouraging the reuse of good‑quality clothing so it can continue to make a difference within our communities.”

Donations ranged from toddler to adult sizes, reflecting the whole‑family nature of the support and its reach beyond the school gate. The Social Work Justice Unpaid Work Service collected each item, laundering and ironing every jacket to ensure all clothing was clean, dignified and ready to be worn throughout the winter.

Councillor Margaret Walker, Chair of the Social Work Resources Committee, said:

“At a time when child poverty and the cost of living are national concerns, this is a powerful example of local action making a real difference.

“Our annual Winter Jacket Appeal shows how schools, communities and council services can come together to respond to real need in a practical and dignified way.

“I want to thank every pupil, parent and member of staff who contributed, along with our Unpaid Work Service, whose professionalism ensured families received support in a respectful way.”

Trinity High School alone donated 114 jackets, demonstrating the leadership shown by pupils and staff in turning generosity into meaningful action. A selection of jackets was also placed on the school’s rainy-day rack, with others donated to a local charity, ensuring care for the wider community and the most vulnerable.

Professor Soumen Sengupta, Chief Officer for Health and Social Care, added: “I recently had the pleasure of visiting Trinity High School where I was inspired by the pupils I spoke with and impressed by the staff that I met.

“Through council services and schools working together, local young people are being enabled to make a tangible difference for families across their community - giving all of us an example worth celebrating and following all year round.”