At Jacksons Workwear Rental, we are proud to work with the Fashion and Textile Children’s Trust (FTCT) to help raise awareness of their grants to Jacksons colleagues as well as many other UK fashion, textile and clothing-related businesses. Financial difficulties can hit anyone at any time making it impossible for parents to provide the things their children need. This is where the FTCT steps in, offering financial grants to support children from UK fashion and textile families by funding essential and specialist items.
Who they help
The FTCT is a lifeline for families in financial crisis, striving to improve their wellbeing and support them financially. They provide one-off cash grants that do not need to be repaid. Anyone who has worked in the fashion and textile industry for at least one year in the last nine years (even if they are not currently employed by the industry) and meets the FTCT’s financial hardship criteria can apply.
The financial hardship criteria includes:
- Arrears with household bills or debt issues
- Caring for a child or family member with ill health or additional needs
- Recent relationship breakdown, separation or divorce
- Long term illness
- Homelessness or re-housing issues
- They are kinship carers
- Recent bereavement of a close family member
More details on this can be found here.
The Process
Asking for help isn’t always easy, but the FTCT makes the application process straightforward. It is a simple process and takes around 6-8 weeks. First, parents complete an online enquiry at ftct.org.uk. Eligible families will then receive an application form by email and completed forms and documents are assessed within 6-8 weeks, with grants paid directly to families. When applying for a grant, you will be asked to share details of your home and financial situation and supply supporting documents. However, it is important to note that all information is kept confidential and is not shared with Jacksons or any other employer. The FTCT team is completely independent and ensures a non-judgemental and supportive process.
Class of 24 Back to School Campaign
The FTCT is currently running their Class of 24 Back to School Campaign to help raise funds for school essentials such as uniforms and footwear. As summer approaches, many parents worry about the costs associated with the new school year, so we’d like to remind you of how the FTCT can help. They can consider grant applications to cover back to school essentials including:
- School Uniform
- PE Kits
- Footwear
- Study Essentials
- Specialist Educational Tools
- Course Equipment
- Laptops for homework
- General Clothing
Financial struggles like the back to school costs can significantly impact parents’ mental wellbeing. Receiving these grants can make a huge difference, alleviating stress and improving mental health.
Their Impact
The FTCT is a charity that supports employees in the UK fashion and textile industry, including retail, manufacturing, laundry, distribution and supermarkets that sell clothing. Some businesses that have benefited from FTCT include New Look, M&S, and B&M. At Jacksons, seven families have benefited from their grants so far. Our Managing Director Steve Pearce, shared this story about a staff member at Jacksons:
“One member of staff had experienced issues with her partner and was living back at her parental home, with her three children. Within a short period of time the application process was complete and the grant award was made. It came at a time when the children were moving schools, so uniforms, shoes, bags, etc were a necessity. The grant money also stretched to white goods for when the local authority found family housing. I know this member of staff is particularly grateful for the grant and I cannot think of any reason for a member of staff working within the industry, who is facing difficult family times, should not complete the simple application process and hopefully find help is there when you need it most.”
Last year, the FTCT helped 832 children and gave £372,000 in grants. These grants helped families buy clothing, bedroom furniture, essential appliances, mobility equipment, sensory toys, therapies and more. If you would like to help raise funds for such an impactful cause then please get in touch with the FTCT.
If you’re the parent of a child under 18, work (or have worked in the last nine years) at Jacksons Workwear Rental, and are experiencing financial hardship due to a loss of income, unexpected change in circumstances, or a family event, the FTCT may be able to help your family. For more information about their criteria and application process visit ftct.org.uk.
