A recent Pop-Up Prom Event has been hailed a great success as 54 young people were able to get a special outfit for their prom either free of charge or for a significantly reduced cost.
The events which are a partnership with Action for Children and Children and Families Newcastle returned for its second year to provide affordable prom attire to young people in need.
This year the initiative is expanded with a 2 Pop-Up Boutique events hosted at Home Group at One Strawberry Lane in Newcastle city centre.
65 young people booked appointments to view and try on dresses and suits and of these 54 left with their special outfit.
Due to the generous donations and sponsors 10 of these outfit were able to be gifted to the young person completely free, with the majority of the rest hired out free of charged or at a reduced purchase cost of £30.
The expansion of the event follows the resounding success of last year which was held in collaboration with Blyth-based charity Prom in the Community.
As well as dresses sized 4 to 24 the expansion this year included the addition of suits, to provide wider outfit choices.
The offer this year also included a dedicated “rainbow hour” to ensure members of the LGBTQ+ community feel comfortable selecting outfits that best express themselves.
Once again, the event has had fantastic feedback from young people and their parents.
A parent said: “Today has been the most amazing experience for my daughter. From arriving and checking in, to making her final choice the team were absolutely amazing. Patient, helping with dress choices, encouraging when there was doubt, never pushy. And all so excited when the right choice was made. Thank you for making it such an enjoyable day for my daughter and for the support you are giving all families”
Carly Mcleary, Community Development Co-ordinator at Action for Children said: "The event this year was amazing and the main reaction from staff and volunteers was tears. Everyone was so touched and happy to make a small impact on people’s lives. The fact people had such a good time is so important to us and I look forward to carrying this project forward in the future."
Cllr Lesley Storey, Cabinet Member for a Children and Families, Newcastle City Council said: "It is fantastic to hear so many young people have been supported by this event again this year. The costs of these outfits can be high for many families and all young people should be able to celebrate this special occasion with confidence. Providing this service ensures no young person in Newcastle misses out on their chance to shine."