In the 2025–2026 period, disadvantaged families in Glasgow, UK, received over 3 tonnes (more than 10,000 items) of second-hand clothing and shoes, distributed jointly by ApparelXchange, the council-supported service Glasgow Helps, and multiple partner organisations. A poverty report submitted to the city's Wellbeing, Equalities, Communities, Culture and Engagement Policy Committee estimates that the reuse of these garments reduced emissions by about 68.3 tonnes of CO2 equivalent and delivered significant savings for families who would otherwise have struggled to afford replacement essential clothing.

Key points

  • In 2025–2026, Glasgow distributed over 3 tonnes, totalling more than 10,000 items, of second-hand clothing and shoes to families living in poverty.
  • The report estimates that reusing these garments delivered carbon reductions of about 68.3 tonnes of CO2 equivalent.
  • Glasgow's child poverty rate is 25.3%, notably higher than Scotland's overall 16.7%.

Child poverty in Glasgow has long exceeded the national level. Council officials told councillors at the committee that 25.3% of children locally live in poverty, compared with 16.7% across Scotland, putting the city significantly above the Scottish average. She also noted that local data show single-parent families, families with disabilities, and ethnic minority families are hit hardest by poverty.

The findings were submitted to councillors alongside the draft of the city's 2025–2026 Local Child Poverty Action Report. Current work in Glasgow includes providing meals during school holidays, placing financial inclusion officers in schools, and stationing family wellbeing workers in GP practices. The council is also advancing "Demonstration of Change" projects in Calton, Southside Central and Govan, piloting new ways to reduce poverty and improve families' prospects.

One parent said the clothing had helped me and my child a great deal, the sizes fit well, and she was very grateful for the support. The report also notes that the garments "delivered significant financial savings for families who might otherwise have struggled to afford replacement essential clothing and footwear."

From an industry perspective, this case links the social assistance function of second-hand clothing with quantified carbon reduction results: the reuse of 3 tonnes of garments corresponds to 68.3 tonnes of CO2 equivalent in emissions reductions, meaning that the circulation of used clothing is not merely a consumption substitute for low-income households, but can also be incorporated into local governments' policy toolbox for poverty reduction and climate goals.

Source: Three tonnes of used clothing given to Glasgow families living in poverty · Originally published 2026-09-30