The School Bank West Lothian is a charity which makes a real difference to children and parents across the region. The group of volunteers help families who are experiencing financial hardship by providing brand new uniforms and equipment required for the school day.

Almond announced its new reactive maintenance contract with Turners Property Services in May 2020 and as part of the community benefit element of the contract, it reached out to help The School Bank install its newly funded shelving units.

The new shelving allows The School Bank to store its equipment which will be given to families in the new school year.

Collette Moran, project co-ordinator at The School Bank, said: “The new shelving will transform how we can operate going forward. It will allow us to turn around referrals more efficiently so that we are helping our local children in the community.  Many of our children are in crisis situations and our service wants to respond rapidly to their needs, the shelving will help us do that. For me in my job the shelving will be so helpful.

“Don’t laugh but I love the new shelving. It will allow myself and our volunteers to work safely, reducing manual handling issues and health and safety concerns. Plus it will make it a lot easier to do stock takes and order what we need with ease. Honestly, you have no idea how much this means to us. It will transform how we work on a day to day basis.”

The School Bank distribute uniforms based on referrals from organisations working with families. It accepts referrals from professionals in the community such as head teachers, social workers, housing officers, Women’s Aid, health visitors and more.

The uniforms and equipment it provides help children to feel included, reduce the stigma of poverty and allow children to focus on learning rather than appearance.

Almond Housing Association said that it is delighted to have brought the two organisations together and looks forward to future projects that can benefit the community.