Skip over main navigation
  • Log in
  • Basket: (0 items)
Fashion & Textile Children's Trust
  • Facebook
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • Linkedin
Donate
  • Twitter
Menu
  • Apply for a grant
  • Partner with us
  • Our impact
    • Your Stories
    • Impact Statistics
    • Our Strategy
    • Share Your Story
  • Support us
    • Back-To-School Campaign
    • Make A Donation
    • Fundraise for us
      • London Marathon
    • Volunteer for us
  • Our Story
    • Why We Are Here
    • Our History
    • Meet The Team
    • News and Blog
    • Join Our Team
  • Admin
    • Log in
  • Basket: (0 items)
  1. Home
  2. News and Blog

News and Blog

Five Questions to Ask Before Buying School Uniform

Five Questions to Ask Before Buying School Uniform

Before you start shopping for school uniform, asking a few simple questions could help you save money, reduce waste and make back-to-school planning feel more manageable. Read more

Published: 14th July, 2026

Author: Nicole Marchant

Save Money with School Uniform Banks

Save Money with School Uniform Banks

School uniforms can be one of the biggest back-to-school expenses. Find out how school uniform banks can help families save money and discover FTCT's free School Uniform Bank Directory. Read more

Published: 10th July, 2026

Author: Nicole Marchant

Back-to-School Budget Tips from Real Parents

Back-to-School Budget Tips from Real Parents

We've rounded up some of the budgeting tips we regularly hear from parents, alongside practical ideas to help make back-to-school shopping a little more manageable. Read more

Published: 8th July, 2026

Author: Nicole Marchant

A Simple Back-to-School Checklist for Parents

A Simple Back-to-School Checklist for Parents

Our Back-to-School checklist is designed to help parents stay organised, plan ahead, and keep track of everything they may need before September. Read more

Published: 3rd July, 2026

Author: Nicole Marchant

Helping Children Take Part in Activities and School Trips

Helping Children Take Part in Activities and School Trips

Every child deserves the chance to take part. Explore practical advice, useful resources, and support that may help families manage the cost of activities, clubs, and school trips. Read more

Published: 19th June, 2026

Updated: 10th July, 2026

Author: Nicole Marchant

School Uniform Sales 2026

School Uniform Sales 2026

Starting early with school uniform shopping can lead you to some brilliant bargains. Here's a handy list of all the back-to-school sales you need to know about. Read more

Published: 16th June, 2026

Author: Jill Haines

What's it like to run a Marathon for FTCT? Q&A with Will

What's it like to run a Marathon for FTCT? Q&A with Will

Running the London Marathon is a once in a lifetime experience. Find out how our 2022 runner Will got on in this special Q&A. Read more

Published: 4th June, 2026

Author: Jill Haines

Making School Uniform Costs More Manageable

Making School Uniform Costs More Manageable

A practical guide to managing school uniform costs, including summer sales, loyalty schemes, second-hand options, and ways families can plan ahead before the new school year. Read more

Published: 1st June, 2026

Author: Nicole Marchant

Making the Summer Holidays More Manageable on a Budget

Making the Summer Holidays More Manageable on a Budget

A practical guide to managing the summer holidays on a budget, with simple tips, local support ideas, and low-cost ways to help ease pressure for families. Read more

Published: 22nd May, 2026

Author: Nicole Marchant

How FTCT Grants Can Help Ease Pressure for Families

How FTCT Grants Can Help Ease Pressure for Families

Practical support can make a meaningful difference to family wellbeing. This Mental Health Awareness Week, we’re sharing how FTCT grants have helped ease pressure for parents by providing essential items, reassurance, and support during difficult times. Read more

Published: 15th May, 2026

Author: Nicole Marchant

Supporting Your Mental Health as a Parent

Supporting Your Mental Health as a Parent

When stress starts to build, even small tasks can feel overwhelming. This blog shares practical ways parents can manage everyday pressures, along with support and resources that can help lighten the load. Read more

Published: 11th May, 2026

Author: Nicole Marchant

How to Support Your Child When You’re Feeling Stressed

How to Support Your Child When You’re Feeling Stressed

Simple, practical ways to support your child during stressful times, and how FTCT grants can help ease pressure for families. Read more

Published: 8th May, 2026

Author: Nicole Marchant

Change To Our Grants Criteria For Industry Parents

Change To Our Grants Criteria For Industry Parents

We have made a positive change to our grants criteria, to ensure we help more parents and carers currently employed in the industry. Read more

Published: 1st April, 2026

Updated: 14th April, 2026

Author: Jill Haines

How an FTCT Grant Helped a Family With Mobility Challenges

How an FTCT Grant Helped a Family With Mobility Challenges

When Lux's mobility needs made everyday outings challenging, an FTCT grant helped fund a specialist mobility wagon that transformed family life. Read his story and find out how FTCT supports children with mobility needs. Read more

Published: 27th March, 2026

Updated: 30th March, 2026

Author: Nicole Marchant

How FTCT Support Helped a Child with Sensory Challenges

How FTCT Support Helped a Child with Sensory Challenges

This case study shares how an FTCT grant helped a family access sensory support for their child. Discover what a grant can fund for neurodiverse children and how practical support can make daily life more manageable. Read more

Published: 20th March, 2026

Updated: 30th March, 2026

Author: Nicole Marchant

Drapers Conscious Fashion Awards: Charity Raffle Raises £1,000 for FTCT

Drapers Conscious Fashion Awards: Charity Raffle Raises £1,000 for FTCT

The prestigious Drapers Conscious Fashion Awards once again supported the FTCT with a charity raffle raising £1,000 to support industry families. Read more

Published: 12th March, 2026

Author: Jill Haines

What Can a Grant Help With? Neurodiversity Special

What Can a Grant Help With? Neurodiversity Special

During Neurodiversity Week, we celebrate children’s differences and share how FTCT grants can provide practical support, from sensory tools to therapy, helping families and children thrive. Read more

Published: 6th March, 2026

Author: Nicole Marchant

A Gentle Financial Reset for Families

A Gentle Financial Reset for Families

A supportive guide to help families reset their finances, build new habits and start the year with confidence. Read more

Published: 20th February, 2026

Author: Nicole Marchant

Supporting Children’s Mental Health Week This February

Supporting Children’s Mental Health Week This February

Children’s Mental Health Week is a reminder that small, everyday actions can make a big difference to children’s emotional wellbeing. This blog shares practical tips, trusted resources, and ways families can feel supported during challenging times. Read more

Published: 9th February, 2026

Author: Nicole Marchant

Celebrating Random Acts of Kindness Day

Celebrating Random Acts of Kindness Day

Random Acts of Kindness Day is a reminder that small, thoughtful actions can make a big difference. This blog shares simple, family-friendly ways to spread kindness and brighten everyday moments. Read more

Published: 30th January, 2026

Updated: 6th February, 2026

Author: Nicole Marchant

Protecting Parental Mental Health

Protecting Parental Mental Health

Parental Mental Health Awareness Week highlights the importance of supporting parents, with practical wellbeing tips and helpful resources. Read more

Published: 30th January, 2026

Author: Nicole Marchant

Beating the January Blues as a Family

Beating the January Blues as a Family

Simple ways for families to beat the January blues, with fun activities, outdoor time, and budget-friendly tips to lift spirits and start the year positively. Read more

Published: 20th January, 2026

Author: Nicole Marchant

How to Talk to Children About Worry and Stress

How to Talk to Children About Worry and Stress

Children experience worry just like adults, but they often need help understanding their feelings. This guide shares simple ways to start the conversation and help your child feel heard and supported. Read more

Published: 16th January, 2026

Author: Nicole Marchant

A Guide to Managing Sleep and Stress

A Guide to Managing Sleep and Stress

Struggling to sleep this winter? You're not alone. In this blog we explore how stress affects sleep for both parents and children and share simple, practical steps to help your family rest better. Read more

Published: 9th January, 2026

Author: Nicole Marchant

Load more Back to top

Latest

  • Five Questions to Ask Before Buying School Uniform

    Five Questions to Ask Before Buying School Uniform

    Before you start shopping for school uniform, asking a few simple questions could help you save money, reduce waste and make back-to-school planning feel more manageable.

  • Save Money with School Uniform Banks

    Save Money with School Uniform Banks

    School uniforms can be one of the biggest back-to-school expenses. Find out how school uniform banks can help families save money and discover FTCT's free School Uniform Bank Directory.

  • Back-to-School Budget Tips from Real Parents

    Back-to-School Budget Tips from Real Parents

    We've rounded up some of the budgeting tips we regularly hear from parents, alongside practical ideas to help make back-to-school shopping a little more manageable.

  • A Simple Back-to-School Checklist for Parents

    A Simple Back-to-School Checklist for Parents

    Our Back-to-School checklist is designed to help parents stay organised, plan ahead, and keep track of everything they may need before September.

Most read

  • Getting your employment history from HMRC

    Getting your employment history from HMRC

    If you no longer have payslips from your old employer, you can get proof directly from HMRC. Here's tips for getting that information.

  • Could I apply?

    Could I apply?

    We give grants to help parents and carers who work (or used to work) in the UK fashion and textile industry. Find out more about our criteria and application process.

  • Make an application enquiry

    Make an application enquiry

    Apply for a grant by completing our online enquiry form.

  • Back-to-School Grants

    Back-to-School Grants

    Our back-to-school grants fund study essentials, such as school uniform, PE kit and more for children aged 0-18 years.

  • Grants for disabled children

    Grants for disabled children

    If you're raising a disabled child, an FTCT grant could help with specialist equipment, therapies and more.

  • Grants for essential appliances

    Grants for essential appliances

    Our grants can provide funding for white goods and other essential household items.

  • Qualifying Employers

    Qualifying Employers

    A full list of the fashion and textile employers which meet our trade criteria.

  • Enquiry Form Submitted

    Thank you for your enquiry - here is what to expect next.

  • Useful links

    Useful links

    If you can't apply to our charity or want extra support, here's a list of charities to try.

  • Supporting Documents Explained

    Supporting Documents Explained

    Find out more about the documents you need to provide when applying for a grant.

Keep up to date with the latest updates from Fashion & Textile Children's Trust

Privacy policy acknowledgement

Please read our mailing list privacy policy before subscribing to receive our emails.

What type of FTCT news would you like to receive?

We are able to provide grants due to the generous support of our partners

0300 123 9002

*Calls from a UK landline or mobile will cost no more than standard rate. 

  • Manager
  • My details
  • Contact us
  • Apply here
  • Sitemap
  • Accessibility
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Facebook
  • YouTube
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn

Fashion & Textile Children's Trust is a registered charity in England and Wales (257136)

Registered office: 44 Southampton Buildings, London, WC2A 1AP

Manage Cookie Preferences