Washing machines have been installed at a primary school in South Wales to help parents and the surrounding community as energy bills continue to rise.
Cadoxton Primary School in the Vale of Glamorgan, public service union UNISON Cymru/Wales and key grant funders have teamed up to tackle the ever-worsening cost-of-living crisis by providing a unique, pay as you feel, washing service on site.
Two washing machines, a tumble dryer and washing lines have been installed at the school as part of the Cadog’s Corner project which also operates a foodbank service.
Project organiser Hannah Cogbill (pictured above right) is part of the senior leadership team at Cadoxton Primary School and said the school wanted to help parents and the surrounding community with their energy bills.
Hannah said: “At Cadog’s Corner we have just launched our pay as you feel community laundrette.
“We have two washing machines, a tumble dryer and washing lines. It has been a huge support to be supported by UNISON and other grant funders to make this happen.
“We recognised as a school we were entering a time of the unknown – the cost-of-living crisis with the cost of energy rising and many families not knowing if they were going to be able to afford to pay their bills.
“We didn’t know how this would impact our community, but we wanted to make sure that we could support our community to have their basic needs met – food and personal hygiene – all at a pay as you feel price.
“This should not be a luxury for families.
“This asset has proven hugely popular with our families as they pop up, do their washing and have a cup of Welsh coffee while they are waiting.
“Together we can make a difference in our community and support the wellbeing of our families to thrive.”
Glenn Pappas, secretary of UNISON’s Vale of Glamorgan branch (pictured above left), said: “The branch got involved with this project because several of our members have children who go to the schools involved in the project.
“We thought it would be a good way to help our community.
“With the cost of bringing children up rising, we decided to help fund the project.
“Hopefully we can get a second laundrette up and running next year.”
