// BBC BUSINESS NEWS — FINANZA
Pre-loved clothes project sells items for 50p
Organisers say the Echo project started a number of years ago, prompted by the cost of living crisis
A community project is offering clothing for as little as 50p to help families who are struggling with the cost of living.
The Echo project, based at York House in Manor Top, Sheffield, sells pre-loved clothing, including coats, shoes, sportswear and school uniforms.
The project is run by Manor and Castle Development Trust in collaboration with community interest company Uni-Recycle, which collects and redistributes school uniforms at low prices.
Organisers said they wanted to make affordable clothing accessible to everyone while challenging the stigma sometimes associated with buying second-hand.
Manor and Castle Development Trust has been operating for almost 30 years and has about 45 members of staff.
Its work includes toddler groups, dementia support, physical health and mental wellbeing services, employment support, training and benefits advice.
Kelly Anne Bell runs the shop on City Road in Sheffield
Dawn Dale, the trust's community development manager, said the Echo project was named to reflect its aim of giving items a second life through reuse.
She said its low prices were designed to make clothing accessible to those who needed it, rather than to generate income.