We’ve been helping colleagues with the cost of school uniform ahead of the new academic year.

Our marketplaces, held at Queen’s Hospital and at King George Hospital, were a chance for staff to pick up school uniform, shoes and stationery to help with increasing prices and cost of living. 

With a small donation of £3 to the charity S.M.I.L.E London and Essex , who donated the uniform, staff could get everything they needed for their family. Some colleagues donated other clothing and supplies, in support of the marketplaces. 

Administrator for our Chief Medical office, Vicky Tate (pictured above) said:

I think it’s really good that the Trust have organised this. It’s helpful for everybody, especially with the cost of living. 

“It’s great to see they have come back this year. I definitely would like to see them again in the future.

We also collaborated with some of our local partners as a new development for this year’s marketplace. Sanctuary Housing and representatives from Havering council came along to share information about support staff can access.

Our marketplaces have been running since 2022 and we’ve managed to help lots of staff. Charleen Elton, our staff experience manager thought of the idea and has worked with S.M.I.L.E each year to help us provide this. 

Charleen (pictured above right with colleague Rommel Ammiel) said:

Supporting and giving back to our staff is something I’m truly passionate about.

"As a mum to a 6-year-old, I understand how expensive school uniforms can be, often starting at around £400 and increasing as children grow.

"Marketplace is important because it provides a safe, sustainable space where staff can access essential items as well as giving back to our local community.

"Through donations to S.M.I.L.E, we’re helping fund their pantry and food supply, as well as other community support programmes that our staff can turn to in times of need. It’s a cycle of care - supporting each other and uplifting the wider community.