An Edinburgh organisation is tackling hidden poverty with a 'no questions asked' coat exchange in Leith which allows those in need to access warm clothing for free.
The Leith Collective introduced a ‘no questions asked’ coat exchange based at Ocean Terminal to give a helping hand to those who might need it.
With fuel bills soaring and the cost of essentials massively increasing, many city residents are feeling the pressure of the rapidly rising cost of living.
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Situated outside The Leith Collective shop at Ocean Terminal, rails of good quality coats are available for collection now – at no cost and with no questions asked.
The charity is urging locals to donate any spare coats of any size and can be dropped off at The Leith Collective at Edinburgh’s Ocean Terminal where they will be quarantined for 72 hours, in-line with Covid safety guidance.
They will then be displayed outside the store for anyone to collect.
Sara Thomson founder of the Leith Collective said: "The nation is currently facing a poverty crisis, with the cost of living rising faster than ever, and job insecurity resulting from the pandemic still affecting many.
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"Edinburgh is not immune to this and we’re witnessing the damaging effects here in Leith and beyond. Coupled with the climate crisis, we felt we had to take action and try to help.
"And so the coat exchange was born. Not only is it a sustainable solution that keeps quality clothes out of landfill and in use, it also provides a valuable opportunity to kit out families in genuine need."
The coat exchange is the latest in a series of initiatives launched by The Leith Collective to simultaneously support locals and promote a circular economy, following their hugely successful Christmas tree exchange in December 2021.
As a Community Interest Company, all profits from the shop go towards supporting the community and promoting sustainability through the arts.
The Leith Collective actively supports individuals with mental health or support needs to grow in confidence and gain experience in the workplace, and offers business mentorship to any members of the Collective.
It is hoped that by hosting the coat exchange in an accessible location such as Ocean Terminal, those currently experiencing difficulties will be able to receive a helping hand.
Donations to the coat exchange can be dropped off at The Leith Collective during opening hours, Monday - Saturday 11am - 6pm, and Sunday 11am - 5pm. Coats should be clean and in good condition.
