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.
Building on last year’s success
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.
Supporting families through the cost of living
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.
Donate a teddy for Ryde Carnival
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.”
No need to donate to take part
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.
Dates and venue
- Friday 7th August 2026 – 10am to 1.30pm
- Saturday 8th August 2026 – 10am to 2pm
- Friday 14th August 2026 – 10am to 1.30pm
- Friday 21st August 2026 – 10am to 1.30pm
- Friday 28th August 2026 – 10am to 1.30pm
The uniform swap shop takes place at Network Ryde, 50 St Thomas’s Street, Ryde.
For further information, please contact [email protected].
News shared by Hannah on behalf of Ryde Town Council. Ed
