A free school uniform ‘pop-up’ event will be taking place ready for children to start the new year.

It is being set up at Brent Central Mosque in Willesden for every child to start the new school year with confidence.

The idea came from two members of Brent Council as part of a programme helping families facing financial difficulties with the cost-of-living crisis.

“Many parents are struggling to afford essential items for their children like school uniforms,” Cllr Ryan Hack said.

“Providing free uniforms aims to alleviate some of this burden and make sure every child has the basic necessities for their education.”

Cllr Hack, who represents Brondesbury Park at the Town Hall, is holding the pop-up store with Cllr Saqlain Choudry from neighbouring Willesden Green ward.

It will be held at the mosque next to Willesden Green Underground station on Saturday and Sunday, August 31 to September 1 from 10am to 12pm.

The move is backed by the London Community Kitchen charity, which tackles food poverty and is now extending its reach to include school uniforms for those in need.

Community Kitchen’s Suzy Jakeman said: “This pop-up event is just one of the many ways we are striving to uplift our neighbours. We can make a real difference in the lives of young people and their families.”

The pop-up event is offering a wide range of school uniforms for all ages, making sure every child in Brent can find what they need, regardless of their school or grade.

Mosque chairman Amjid Riaz said: “No child should feel left behind due to financial constraints. This pop-up event is a small step toward ensuring that all pupils have the resources they need.

“Our mission is to foster a sense of community and support for those in need.”

Families are being urged to turn up at the event early as supplies will be distributed on a ‘first-come, first-served’ basis.

The pop-up event is open to all families living in Brent, of any faith or none, with no prior registration needed.

It is what organisers say is “an example of what can be achieved when communities come together with a shared purpose” supporting families in need.