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Through the Newcastle Building Society Community Fund, Community Foundation North East awarded £4,000 to Berwickshire Swap to support the expansion of its vital work into North Northumberland. The grant has enabled the charity to extend its popular children’s clothing swap events beyond Berwick, Scotland, and begin delivering emergency parcels to families in need across the border.
Berwickshire Swap reuses good-quality children’s clothing, saving it from landfill and redistributing it to families facing financial hardship. The initiative not only reduces waste but also eases the financial burden on parents, creating opportunities for stronger, more resilient communities.
Su Legg, Senior Philanthropy Advisor at Community Foundation North East, said:
“Berwickshire Swap’s expansion means the opportunity to access essential items is now felt by families in North Northumberland too. By increasing its capacity, the charity has been able to reach more people and deliver even greater impact across the region.”
The project has already made a difference. One mother, who first came to Berwickshire Swap as a ‘swapper’, now volunteers with the organisation. She shared how the cost-of-living crisis is a daily reality for many parents in her village, and how the swap events have helped her connect with others and access essentials for her baby boy.
Liane, Project Manager at Berwickshire Swap, said:
“This grant has been essential in extending our charity’s aims and objectives to those in Northumberland. Providing emergency parcels and holding children’s swap events has enabled many more families to obtain good-quality pre-loved clothes and toys. It’s saved families money and contributed to a circular economy. Without this funding, we wouldn’t have been able to do this.”
To learn more about the Foundation’s community funds and how they support local organisations, click here.