Hackney appeal seeks school supplies for new Year 7s

Hackney residents are being asked to help provide secondary school starter packs for local children moving from Year 6 into Year 7 this September.

Donations for the Pack To School Appeal can be made by buying an item from the appeal list before 31 July. Residents who prefer to shop locally can also buy supplies themselves and drop them off at Forest Road Youth Hub, 29 Forest Rd, London E8 3BY.

The appeal is being run through Young Hackney with support from Hackney Youth Parliament, which says the aim is to make the first weeks of secondary school easier for pupils whose families are facing pressure from back-to-school costs.

Donations are needed before 31 July

The deadline for residents to buy an item from the appeal list is 31 July. The supplies will be used to create school packs for children starting secondary school in September.

Each pack is intended to cover everyday classroom essentials so pupils can arrive with the equipment they are likely to need from the start of term.

School packs include classroom essentials

Each secondary school pack will include core supplies such as:

• A new rucksack
• A geometry set
• Pens
• A scientific calculator

Hackney Youth Parliament has also highlighted extra items that can help pupils feel more confident and prepared for the new school year. Residents are being directed to the Young Hackney page for the full campaign details, the items needed and suggestions on where to buy them.

Local shopping and drop-off are both supported

Residents do not have to order online to take part. Those who want to support local shops can buy suitable items in person and take them to the Forest Road Youth Hub.

That option may be useful for people who want to choose specific items, buy more than one product, or make a quick donation while staying within their own budget.

The appeal targets a costly school transition

Starting secondary school often means new equipment, a bigger bag, specialist classroom tools and more pressure on family spending before term begins.

Hackney Youth Parliament said around 64% of children in Hackney live in low-income households, making the cost of preparing for the school year a real concern for many families.

The Pack To School Appeal is now in its fourth year. According to Hackney Youth Parliament, previous rounds have helped hundreds of young people start secondary school feeling prepared, confident and ready to learn.

Residents can check the full appeal list

People who want to support the appeal should check the Young Hackney campaign information before donating, so the items match what is currently needed.

“It is our mission to make starting secondary school as easy as possible for students moving from Year 6 into Year 7,” Hackney Youth Parliament said, adding that the campaign is asking the community to help reach more young people across the borough.

Source: Hackney Council