A Darlington uniform exchange shop that allows parents to donate out-of-size or use uniforms and switch them out for new ones has relocated - here's where you can find it.

Darlington Cares has now moved into its brand new home in Feethams Car Park after a stint at Queen Street Shopping Centre - and is looking forward to the future in a place that feels like "home".

The space can be found along Beaumont Street down from the back exit from Boyes.

Darlington Cares runner Chelsea Johnson, 31.Darlington Cares runner Chelsea Johnson, 31. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Railings in the new space are lined with everything from school polo shirts to blazers, summer dresses, skirts and trousers free for parents to come and take.

Volunteers gave away 12,000 items in 2023 and served 5,000 members of the community - with demand rising around the summer holidays and in winter.

The exchange will open officially on Monday (June 24) and will be open from 10am to 1pm on weekdays.

Inside the new Darlington Cares premises at Feethams Car Park.Inside the new Darlington Cares premises at Feethams Car Park. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

 "It is much nicer here," said Chelsea Johnson, from Darlington, the exchange lead as she showed the Echo around the space.

Chelsea, 31, leads the group of volunteers that hand out uniform with two being in to man the space each day.

She added it is "very difficult" for parents when schools change their uniforms as she issues a plea for donations before summer - their busiest time. 

Inside the new Darlington Cares premises at Feethams Car Park.Inside the new Darlington Cares premises at Feethams Car Park. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

The exchange takes donations of any school or PE clothing items such as:

  • Blazers
  • Skirts and trousers
  • Shirts and polo shirts
  • Shoes
  • Jackets
  • Coats

Last year, whilst located in Queen Street, the service saw demand soar.

Inside the new Darlington Cares premises at Feethams Car Park.Inside the new Darlington Cares premises at Feethams Car Park. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Volunteers Karen Lynn and Dawn Weir told the Echo some stories they hear are "heart-breaking" and "heart-warming" at the same time.

"We have a whole range of people who come here - it's not just one type of person that we see", Karen said.

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"Some people have come in and admitted that they don't know how they would have survived if it not for this service."

Dawn said: "We had a gentleman come in just before Christmas whose English was not very good. He recently came here and had a list of uniforms he needed for his child.

"He started panicking and talking about money, so we reassured him that it was free. Once we did that, he started to cry. If we can help, and we have it, we will give it to you."