We're desperate for clothes for the women we support - can you help?

Avril sorting through a donation earlier this year - but the cupboard is almost bare now

Our clothing bank is one of the most popular basic services we offer to the most vulnerable women who come to see us.

They love to drop in for a bite to eat, a shower and a change of clothing.

This time they spend with us is vitally important because it helps us get to know them better, gain their trust and ultimately work out what we can do to help them.

Unfortunately, from time to time, clothing stocks run low and we have to tell the women we can't help them.

That time has come again and we need help, particularly with smaller garments, specifically sizes 8 and 10.

Avril Lewis, our crisis support worker, said: "This time of year is a real struggle, particularly the supply of smaller items of clothing, sizes 8 to 10.

"They are the items that tend to go first when the women are choosing, so we run out.

"We'd be particularly grateful for any donations of smaller size dresses, skirts, trousers and shoes.

"We see how grateful the women are when they can pick out something fresh and clean to wear."

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Happily, we receive donations from all kinds of supporters, both ordinary members of the public, businesses and community groups.

Apart from clothing, here's a rough guide to the kind of donations we need regularly:

• Deodorant (roll-on)

• Shower gel

• Dry shampoo

• Shampoo

• Conditioner

• Antibacterial hand gel

• Water wipes

• Feminine wipes

• Tampons

• Sanitary towels

• Toothpaste

• Toothbrush

• Body cream

• Sleeping bag

• Blanket

• Breakfast bars

  
  

Contact us and we will be happy to tell you how to make a donation or support us in any other way.

If people would like to drop off a donation, we'd urge them to call us on 0116 2510803 to arrange a day and time. We are open Monday to Thursday.

We may be able to collect too. Again, please call us for a chat.

The New Futures Project offers a comprehensive welfare and counselling service for women and young people dealing with sexual abuse or exploitation, domestic violence, trafficking, poverty and debt, substance use or mental ill-health.

Call us on 0116 251 0803 or send us a message at: info@new-futures.org.uk

You can find us at 71 London Road, Leicester, LE2 0PE.