Julie received the Woman of Rochdale award in recognition of her work leading Uniform For All, a volunteer run organisation she founded during the Covid lockdown.
The initiative provides recycled school uniforms to families in the borough at no cost. Over the past year, more than 15,000 items have been distributed, supporting over 2,000 families and saving an estimated £225,000. The project has also prevented more than 3.3 tonnes of clothing from going to landfill.
Julie gives around 50 hours each week to the service, which now handles around 30 requests a day. Each item is washed, ironed and prepared before being passed on to families. She works closely with schools, health visitors, social workers and housing providers to ensure support is delivered discreetly.
Reflecting on the scale of demand, she said: “We helped over two thousand families in the last year. We know there is more. We know we can achieve more.”
Julie also explained the environmental impact of the project, saying: “They are all recycled. We have saved over 3.3 tonnes of textile waste just in one year going to landfill. It is all free.”
She encouraged others to get involved, adding: “If anyone would like to join us, you are most welcome.”
The Woman of Rochdale award forms part of an annual fundraising event celebrating local women while raising money for Springhill Hospice.
