Over 500 People Saving for School Uniforms with Hoot Credit Union

Friday 22 August 2025

Hoot Savings and Loans, based in Bolton, has issued over £110,000 in school uniform loans. £10,000 in additional vouchers, £2,000 in savings boosters and opened over 500 School Uniform savings accounts, so people can start saving for next year’s uniforms.

It’s that time of year when the cost of school uniform hits the household budget, and people struggle to fund the new clothing and equipment. Hoot launched its School Uniform Loan in Bolton and Bury, and has so far issued over 500 loans. As a community-owned savings and loans social enterprise, all of those who have taken a loan have started saving for next year, hopefully reducing the pressure next time around.

As well as starting to save, members have taken part in financial well-being sessions and received savings top ups to help them plan.

Chris Canham CEO of Hoot says “We have been overwhelmed by the obvious need for support when it comes to school uniforms. It’s a huge cost to a household, and with the support of the Bolton Fund and the Illegal Money Lending Team, we have been able to offer support in the form of low cost loans, plus encouraged over 500 people to save for next year. We think this demonstrates how, with the right community-focussed support, people can improve financial well-being”

Hoot has been supporting the financial well-being of the community in Bolton and Bury for 20 years. By joining us you can be part of an ethical, community-owned organisation that is committed to serving the community.

The School Uniform Scheme closes on 31 August.