The Salvation Army UK and Ireland Territory

We believe school uniform policies should not place additional financial strain on families. To combat rising costs, some of our churches run school uniform banks during the holidays.  Over the past few years, we’ve seen a rise in demand from our uniform banks, uniform exchanges or community wardrobes, as the cost of a new school uniform is beyond the reach of many struggling parents. If you’re struggling financially, contact your local Salvation Army to see what services are available in your area: https://lnkd.in/gNkkMSNG  

It is children who suffer the most from the two-child benefit limit. Struggling families affected by it are turning to The Salvation Army to help them survive because Government support systems have failed them. High costs and barriers to a decent standard of living are dragging families with children into a poverty spiral. We are urging the Government to invest in policies and services which enables families to thrive, and end the two-child benefit limit, punishing families and pushing them deeper into poverty. Take action now-write to your MP today and ask them to lift the two-child benefit limit: https://lnkd.in/enATtPfF

There is no ‘typical food bank user’ at our Preston Salvation Army food bank. Now running four days a week, it regularly sees 60-80 referrals per week seeking support. This local church helps feed employed people, homeowners, NHS workers, people claiming disability benefits and families struggling to provide three meals a day for their children.

Our officers and volunteers are helping people who can’t feed their families or have been pushed into debt because their money doesn’t cover life’s essentials. Food price inflation over the last five years on some essential items such as milk, butter and sugar* has pushed families further into poverty. School holidays are especially tough for struggling parents, who often skip meals to feed their children. Keep an eye out for this week’s content to find out what you can do to help struggling families this summer. *Stats taken from the Office for National Statistics and leading supermarket prices as of July 2025

4.5 million children in the UK are growing up in poverty. Lieutenant-Colonel Nick Coke shares: “When I was at school, I couldn’t wait for the summer holidays to begin – summer meant freedom. With transport and food prices continuing to rise, the cost of even one family day out is completely out of reach for parents who are struggling.” The Salvation Army works to support families through a range of summer activities, like summer camps, day clubs and book clubs. Healthy meals are also provided, which means children who usually have access to free school dinners during term time, don’t miss out ❤️

Sign up for the iconic 55-mile London to Brighton cycle ride! Join Team Sally Army on 14 September and raise vital funds for The Salvation Army. Registration closes on 8 August - so pedal, don’t walk 🚲 brnw.ch/21wUq94

It’s summer blockbuster season, so here’s 15 major movies which feature or mention The Salvation Army: The 39 Steps (1935), Miracle on 34th Street (1947), Guys and Dolls (1955), Some Like it Hot (1959), Whistle Down the Wind (1961), A Christmas Story (1983), Trading Places (1983), Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997), Calendar Girls (2003), Anchorman: the legend of Ron Burgundy (2004), Batman Begins (2005), King Kong (2005), About Time (2013), Captain America: Civil War (2016), and Spiderman: Far from home (2019). Know of any other movies which mention us? Let us know!

Our community sewing group based in Atherton Salvation Army is tackling period poverty. They recently created 100 reusable sanitary packs. Each handmade pack includes eight washable, reusable pads, two shields, one wash cloth/flannel, a bar of soap, two pairs of knickers, a carry pouch and a bag. Once the packs have been completed, our local church plans to work with its own services and partner organisations to provide them at food banks, schools, homeless hostels and drop-ins.

Online photography exhibition 📷 Survivors of modern slavery are sharing their stories in a powerful new online photography exhibition: ‘My Lens – I am still here’, launching today. Using survivors’ words and perspectives, this unique collection of photographs gives a compelling insight into the lives and experiences of people who have survived human trafficking and modern slavery. The exhibition is a collaboration with Magnum Photos, Newsha Tavakolian, Stop Trafficking Africa and Hope Education Project. You can view the collection both online and at The Salvation Army’s International Headquarters on Queen Victoria Street in London from 27th August to 11 September. View the online exhibition: https://brnw.ch/21wUiQq

We’re at Reading Festival this year! Sadly, we’re not headlining (!) but our team of volunteers from Reading Central Salvation Army Church, other Salvation Army Centres and local churches will be providing a welcoming, safe space for any festival-goers who need a moment of quiet. The Salvation Army has been supporting at the festival for over 50 years. Our café style marquee sells reasonably priced drinks and food. You can find us on Scott Street, which was aptly named by festival organisers as a tribute to the original Salvation Army organiser. We’re open 24/7 from Wednesday lunchtime through to the end of the Festival.