At Tweed Togs, the children's clothing bank serving families across the Scottish Borders, we believe that no child or young person should fail to realise their potential through want of suitable clothing. That's why we work to ensure children have the clothing they need to access every aspect of their education—including the outdoor play and learning experiences that are so important to their development.
Thanks to funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, we're able to help even more children across the Scottish Borders enjoy the opportunities that every child deserves.
Our Clothes for Children to Grow and Thrive grant is helping us provide waterproof jackets, fleeces, hats, gloves and puddlesuits to children experiencing financial hardship. By removing the barrier of unsuitable clothing, we're helping children take part in outdoor play and learning alongside their classmates—building confidence, developing new skills and making memories, whatever the weather.
Why outdoor learning matters for children across the Scottish Borders
Outdoor learning is a key priority of the Scottish Government because of the many benefits it brings to children's health, wellbeing and development. Spending time outdoors helps children build confidence, resilience and social skills while learning through exploration and play.
But to take part fully, children need suitable clothing to stay warm, dry and comfortable. For many families experiencing financial hardship, waterproof clothing and warm outdoor wear are simply unaffordable. That's where Tweed Togs can help.
National Lottery funding in action
This is where the Clothes for Children to Grow and Thrive project is making a real difference.
As part of the project, Tweed Togs has been able to purchase weatherproof jackets, hats, gloves, fleeces and puddlesuits for children attending early learning centres and primary schools across the Scottish Borders.
One example is Langlee Nursery in Galashiels, where children are now able to take part in outdoor learning sessions regardless of the weather.
Instead of sitting on the sidelines because they don't have suitable clothing, children are exploring woodland areas, splashing in puddles, digging in mud kitchens and discovering the natural world with their friends.
For nursery staff, it has removed a practical barrier. For parents and carers, it has eased financial pressure. Most importantly, it has given children the opportunity to fully participate in an important part of their education.
Jenny Grant, Headteacher at Langlee Primary School, said:
"We are incredibly grateful to Tweed Togs for providing our ELC with fleeces as base layers under our waterproof suits. Our children love being outside in all weathers and it’s essential they are properly wrapped up and cosy so they can continue to explore and learn through their outdoor play. Thank you again, Tweed Togs!"
Susan Walker, Trustee of Tweed Togs, added:
"It was an absolute joy and delight to hand over the outdoor clothes to the staff at Langlee. This project sits at the heart of Tweed Togs’ purpose — to support local families and help children achieve their potential."
The project has also supported outdoor learning at Earlston and Newton Primary School and Early Learning Centre, where Tweed Togs provided waterproof clothing to ensure children can take part in the school's Forest School programme.
Carolyn Summerfield, Support for Learning teacher at Earlston and Newtown Primary School, said:
"Our Forest School group is extremely grateful to Tweed Togs for the donation of waterproof clothing for our children. The jackets and trousers are of excellent quality and have made a significant difference to our outdoor learning experiences. Thanks to this support, no child is excluded from attending Forest School due to a lack of suitable waterproof clothing. The children can now take part comfortably and confidently in all weather conditions. We are excited to use the waterproof trousers more on future trips, including collecting frogs at our local pond."
Making a lasting impact
The outdoor clothing initiative forms an important part of the Clothes for Children to Grow and Thrive project and has already supported children attending Langlee Nursery, Earlston and Newtown Primary School and Early Learning Centre, Knowepark Primary School and Early Learning Centre, and Burnfoot Early Learning Centre.
So far, Tweed Togs has provided approximately 202 outdoor clothing packs, alongside around 300 individual waterproof clothing items, helping children across the Scottish Borders participate in outdoor learning and play.
Since Tweed Togs was established in 2017, teh volunteer-led charity, has now provided clothing parcels to more than 2,850 children, recycling around 8,550 bags of clothing back into local families while ensuring every child receives high-quality, carefully selected clothing with dignity.
Small charity. Big impact.
As we celebrate Small Charity Week, this project is a wonderful example of how National Lottery funding is helping a small, volunteer-led charity make a lasting difference in its local community.
By removing barriers to outdoor learning, we're not simply providing clothing—we're helping children take part, build confidence, develop new skills and enjoy the same opportunities as their peers.
Because every child deserves the chance to learn, explore and thrive outdoors.