A charity that began life in one woman’s living room during Covid is now supplying pre-loved clothes to thousands of families, saving them hundreds of pounds.
Beginning with 115 “winter warmer” packs in the first year, Perth-based Social Flock has grown into three projects for adults and children which last year distributed a total of 2800 clothing packs valued at £150 each.
“Between all of our projects, it works out that we saved our community £449,000 last year,” said founder Rachael Esdale.
Social Flock has now expanded into Highland Perthshire, thanks to a grant from money raised through the Enchanted Forest, the region’s annual light and sound extravaganza.
At £2000, the grant is not huge but Esdale said it had enabled Social Flock to deliver 58 additional clothing packs, easing pressure on families and saving an estimated £8000-£9000 in living costs.
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“The impact that it has and what we can do for the community goes way more than you would think for £2000,” she said.
“We are really grateful for the funding as we are still such a small charity. It’s all very new and the growth we have experienced in the last year is because of people being willing to invest in us.
“That has allowed us to really grow and support more people than ever before.”
Esdale began the charity in 2020 in her living room after she was furloughed from her job at Perth Theatre.
“I have two children and I have really benefitted from friends with older children who passed on their clothes,” she explained.
“The idea was that Social Flock would be your friend with clothes we can pass on.”
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The charity has grown so much that there is now a team of 30 volunteers. Thanks to grants and financial donations the charity is also able to employ three staff.
“It’s very exciting to be able to do that and it helped double our output last year,” said Esdale.
“The packs do more than meet a practical need – they alleviate financial hardship, reduce textile waste and foster community resilience.
“Our mission is to ensure every individual has access to clothing as a basic human right while reducing reliance on fast fashion through sustainable practices.”
Originally focused on young people, Social Flock has expanded its services to support entire families with the aim of ensuring no one in the community faces clothing insecurity. Referrals are accepted from schools, nurseries, community organisations and individuals.
As well as winter warmer packs for kids and adults, the charity has a clothing library which supplies people with five days worth of mix and match clothing.
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Based on fashion consultant Gok Wan’s idea of five t-shirts, five jumpers, five “bottoms” and a special occasion outfit, the pack is made up entirely of pre-loved clothing with recipients able to choose the colour schemes and styles they want.
The charity does not demand anything back and there is no time limit for keeping the packs but families with children usually return their packs after use in order to swap for the next size up.
Social Flock also runs a school uniform bank, supplying families with enough changes of uniform and PE kit to keep their children clothed for five days without having to wash anything midweek.
Schools in the region hold donation drives to collect clothes for the charity and encourage parents and guardians to apply for packs. As a result, some small rural schools are able to receive packs for every pupil.
“We sent out 1037 back-to-school and nursery packs last year and we also supply messy play clothing for the under fives,” said Esdale.
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There is free doorstep delivery to anyone who lives in Perth and Kinross, with some people applying to save money and others because they are concerned about the environment and the destructive impact of fast fashion.
“It is more than just clothing as it is building a sense of community, reducing stress in households and redistributing wealth,” said Esdale.
Applications are now open for the Enchanted Forest’s 2026 Community Fund, with charities and community organisations (CICs) across Highland Perthshire invited to apply for vital funding.
Since launching in 2015, the fund has invested more than £522,000 into the Highland Perthshire area, supporting over 185 local charities, community groups and projects.
The Enchanted Forest Community Trust particularly welcomes applications from local projects that are unable to access funds from other bodies.
Nela Popovic, CEO of the Enchanted Forest Community Trust, said: “Every year, the Enchanted Forest Community Fund turns the magic of our event into meaningful, lasting change for the community that hosts us.
“From tackling the cost of living crisis to supporting children, families and mental wellbeing, these grants create ripples of benefit far beyond the initial award.
“As applications open for 2026, we are especially keen to hear from charities and CICs working on the frontline of need across Highland Perthshire.”
Application forms are available to download at www.enchantedforest.org.uk
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