Over the past 20 years school prom events have become more and more popular in the UK. They can be a great, end-of-term opportunity for pupils to let their hair down.

However, for some low-income households, they can be a financial headache.

The cost of a prom dress or suit can be a nightmare for parents and carers. And that’s alongside school trips, birthday celebrations, dressing up and dressing down days and the constant need for new uniforms.

Huge worry

Cllr Joanne Williams, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: “For many Sefton households, the expense of events like end of term proms can be a huge worry.

“Parents and carers don’t want their children to miss out. They want them to stand out, but not for the wrong reasons.

“Being open and setting a realistic budget, taking advantage of pre-loved clothes and hire companies and sharing accessories and transport with friends can help. And many young people enjoy getting creative with what they find in charity shops.

“Schools can also refer young people to organisations such as Seaforth’s Dress to Impress or the national Prom Ally for support.”

Dress to Impress

Dress to Impress provides free smart clothing to help vulnerable young people attend special events. Referrals must be made through schools, so parents and carers should speak to their child’s school if they need support.

People can find out  about Dress to Impress, which also offers clothing for occasions such as interviews and funerals, at https://seftoncommunitypantrycic.org.uk/clothing-bedding/

Also, national organisation Prom Ally. Prom Ally offers free prom dress and suit loans to school kids, sixth formers, and college students across the UK who might not otherwise be able to afford them.

​The organisation works through referrals from schools, social services, food banks, and charities to make sure our support reaches those who need it most. Thanks to public and business donations, Prom Ally has over 3,000 available.

​Since becoming a Community Interest Company, Prom Ally has also started selling affordable pre-loved and new formal wear. This enables it to raise funds to continue offering our prom outfits free to those who need them.

Pressures on parents and carers

Cllr Diane Roscoe, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children Schools and Families, said: “Reducing or removing the pressures on parents and carers that event such as proms can cause is the reason why Sefton Council is supporting the Poverty Proofing the School Day^© programme in the Borough’s schools.

“Twenty-five schools have now taken part in the programme, which aims to reduce costs in a way that can cut the stress or embarrassment to pupils and ways for families to ask for help have also been put in place.”

From September, more Sefton schools will be invited to join workshops aimed at tackling the impact of poverty on the school day.

Find out You can find out more about the ongoing work on Poverty Proofing the School Day^©here.