Smart Start

Smart Start

This year, our Smart Start Campaign celebrates its 10th anniversary – a whole decade of helping children across Greater Manchester and Salford start the school year with confidence and dignity.

For many local families, the rising cost of living has made essentials like school uniforms, shoes, sports kits, coats, and stationery unaffordable. That’s where Smart Start steps in. Thanks to your incredible support through donations and fundraising, we’re ensuring that no child feels different or left behind because of their circumstances.

Wearing the right uniform helps children feel confident, comfortable, and ready to achieve their full potential – and that’s exactly what Smart Start is all about.

The project runs year-round, allowing families to place uniform orders as needed, with the option to choose other vital school items such as winter coats, school bags, and PE kits. All of our services are free to access, helping relieve pressure from families when it matters most.

Download our Smart Start flyer [here]

All of our services are completely free for families.
If you think you might need support through Smart Start, please visit our For Families page to find out more.

If someone is helping your family (like a teacher, health visitor or support worker), they can visit our For Referrers page to make a referral. 

How your donations help

Smart Start has already supported over 21,000 children across Manchester and Salford with school uniform and classroom essentials.

Your donations directly fund the purchase and delivery of new, non-branded uniform packs, fulfilled by our supplier, David Luke, and sent straight to families’ homes.

Your generosity also helps provide essentials through our Family Basics project – including school uniform, rucksacks, stationery, sports kit and winter coats.

By supporting Smart Start, you’re helping local children feel a sense of belonging, focus on learning and enjoy school with confidence.


Help alleviate the worry of school uniform costs

How to support

  • Make a financial donation securely here
  • Fundraise with your friends, family, community or workplace
  • Donate or organise a collection of school uniform and classroom essentials from the list below. Contact our fundraising team for help with posters, fundraising materials and guidance
  • Donations can be dropped off in person or donated via direct delivery from online retailers to 26 Wood Street, Manchester M3 3EF. You can also book our van to collect from your chosen location.
  • Spread the word – share our project online using #SmartStart

If you would like to support us, please get in touch with our fundraising team at fundraise@woodstreetmission.org.uk


Items you can donate

Donations must be suitable for ages 4-16, non-branded and either new or very good second hand condition.

  • Shirts and blouses – white, sky blue
  • Polo tops – white, sky blue
  • Sweatshirts and jumpers – navy, grey, black
  • Trousers, skirts and pinafores – grey, black
  • Summer dresses – blue and green
  • New footwear
  • New socks, tights and underwear
  • PE and sports kit
  • Winter coats
  • Hats, scarves and gloves
  • New stationery and pencil cases
  • New drinks bottles
  • New lunch boxes
  • School bags
  • Rucksacks