A WOKINGHAM charity that supports people in need, also knows how to party.
As part of its services, The Cowshed provides prom dresses and suits for young people needing just a little help from a fairy godmother to transform them into belles and beaus of the ball.
Prom outfits can be very costly to buy, making it impossible for many youngsters to join their classmates at traditional end of year celebrations.
To make sure everyone can go to the ball, The Cowshed stocks a range of suits and dresses for prom hire, at its headquarters in Mulberry Business Park, Fishponds Road.
Becky Russell, the charity’s operations manager, said: “We have a campaign called Prom At The Cowshed.
“Any young person in the borough can hire a dress or suit for their prom at an affordable price.”
Shop bought dresses can cost £200 or £300, but outfits can be hired from The Cowshed for £50, proving that end of term memories needn’t cost the earth
“We also lend outfits free of charge to young people who are referred to us, for example by their school, their support group, or a charity,” said Ms Russell.
“We give them free extras: shoes, accessories, a bag, and make-up, which they get to keep afterwards.”
“The nice thing about both hiring and lending, is that there’s no stigma to getting an outfit from us – everyone is doing it, and no-one knows who has hired, and who has borrowed.”
Judging from feedback The Cowshed has received, families really appreciate the service.
One foster parent said: “our social worker kindly referred my young person to The Cowshed to take a look at prom dresses.
“What an afternoon we had, looking through hundreds of the most beautiful dresses.
“My foster child fell in love with four of them, and whittled it down to her favourite.
“Not only was it the most beautiful dress, but she was given a stunning pair of shoes and a bag to keep, before being allowed to raid the make-up boxes for new make-up, lashes, and eyebrow kits.
“It was every 16-year-old’s dream, and we are completely overwhelmed.”
Another parent said: “My daughter had an amazing morning trying on well over 20 dresses.
“She has come away beaming and now has the most beautiful dress for her prom.
“We are so thankful and both came away feeling overwhelmed.
“What an amazing charity the Cowshed is.”
A school worker said: “Please pass on my thanks to all who complimented and supported X last night at his fitting.
“You have made such a big difference to a very deserving young man.”
The charity is always looking for more prom outfit donations.
“We particularly welcome dresses in very small sizes,” said Ms Russell.
“A lot of our hirers and borrowers are young girls, and they’re still very tiny, so we especially need prom gowns in sizes 4 to 8.”
Prom season is at its height during June and July, but preparations are already in full swing, with youngsters booking their dresses and suits early.
“We’re really busy with appointments right now,” said Ms Russell.
“And we expect that to continue through to April.”
Young people who haven’t organised a prom outfit yet, can book a fitting at The Cowshed, by visiting eventbrite and searching for prom-at-the-cowshed.
Dresses cost £50 to hire, and suits can be hired for £25.
A £10 booking fee is deducted from the hire cost if an outfit is chosen.
“The service is available for free via a referral from a professional organisation on The Cowshed’s website.
For referral enquiries, information, and to book, visit: www.thecowshed.org
