A local children’s charity in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, has received a £20,000 grant from The National Lottery Community Fund to provide school essentials to families in need. The funding, announced on 25 March 2026, will pay for brand-new school uniform parcels for children living in the most deprived parts of the borough.
The charity, Packed with Smiles, provides items such as coats, shoes, PE kits, and backpacks to ensure every child can attend school with dignity. This support is vital as official health reports show 20.6% of children in Southend are living in poverty, which is significantly higher than the 15.4% average across the East of England.
Since being started in 2018 by Anna and Scott Baker, the group has seen a nearly 40% rise in demand for its services over the last four years. During that time, the organisation has delivered more than 2,200 parcels containing over 22,000 items of brand-new clothing to local youngsters.
The charity was previously supported by the Community Investment Board Southend. This new grant will help the group reach more vulnerable children as the cost of living continues to affect local families.
These uniform parcels are delivered twice a year in September and February through partnerships with local schools and Southend Family Centres. The funding will allow the charity to continue helping children feel included and ready to learn alongside their classmates.
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