Scottish community saves thousands as woman grows pre-loved clothing charity.

Perth-based Social Flock, started by Rachael Esdale in 2020, distributed 2,800 pre-loved clothing packs last year (valued at about £150 each) and reports saving the community roughly £449,000; the charity has expanded into Highland Perthshire with a £2,000 grant from the Enchanted Forest Community Fund.

A Perth charity that began during the Covid pandemic now supplies pre-loved clothing to thousands of local families. Founder Rachael Esdale started Social Flock in 2020 after being furloughed, using her living room to assemble packs. The project has grown from 115 winter packs in its first year to multiple services for adults and children. Last year the charity distributed 2,800 clothing packs and has expanded into Highland Perthshire with community grant funding. Key facts: - Social Flock distributed 2,800 clothing packs last year, with each pack valued at about £150. - The founder reports the community saved an estimated £449,000 across all projects in the last year. - A £2,000 grant from the Enchanted Forest Community Fund helped deliver 58 additional packs, estimated to save a further £8,000–£9,000 in living costs. - The charity now has about 30 volunteers and employs three staff thanks to donations and grants. - Services include winter warmer packs, a five-day mix-and-match clothing library, a school uniform bank and doorstep delivery across Perth and Kinross. - Schools run donation drives and Social Flock sent 1,037 back-to-school and nursery packs last year. Summary: The charity aims to reduce clothing insecurity, lower textile waste and ease household costs while building local connections. Applications for the Enchanted Forest 2026 Community Fund are open and the fund has supported local projects since 2015; the immediate next steps for Social Flock involve continuing the expansion into Highland Perthshire and maintaining current services.