Following a hugely successful preloved uniform exchange, a West Belfast foodbank is now providing free stationery packs for children returning to school.
Foodstock in West Belfast say the supplies, which include free stationery packs, school bags and supplies can be picked up at their Andersonstown Road base.
Founder and community SDLP representative Paul Doherty said on Tuesday morning: "The first week of the new school term can be difficult for many families starting back.
"Here at Foodstock we have been supporting as many families as possible with the school uniform appeal but this week we have managed to get our hands on quite a lot of stationary and want to help even more families.
"We have quite a lot of stationery packs for boys and girls. We've pencil cases, we've school bags. If anyone needs a helping hand this week please call up to our unit. We have a table here and we also have school uniforms you can avail of as well.
"If you need help, just get in touch."
He told Belfast Live that hundreds of families have already benefitted.
The free stationery packs, school bags and supplies can be collected from Foodstock - West Belfast Community Response - 150f Andersonstown Road.
Paul told Belfast Live in recent weeks of his concerns about the rising cost of getting children back to school.
He said: "School uniforms at present are quite costly and that is leaving a lot of families in predicaments, leaving them in financial difficulty. A lot of people are turning to loan sharks and getting themselves in debt which is quite shocking considering this is just to have something in place for their child's education and something as simple as a uniform.
"It's basically creating this problem for families where they are actually looking at 'will I eat today? I'll save money here and I'll be able to go and buy a uniform'.
"They're bypassing special occasions... downsizing in things as well. Making sacrifices in general just so they can pay for their child's school uniform. That's shocking.
"This has been the community response - we need to see a government response. That is vital."
For the latest breaking news straight to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter here.
