'Samuel's' Story
"When I started secondary school I had my brother's old shoes. Everyone in the class was in new ones. Mum had cleaned them but they just looked old and scruffy.
They were also too big. I felt like I was walking around in clown shoes so the names some kids called me at primary school carried on at secondary.
Most mornings I left the house already angry because I was embarrassed but I also felt guilty because I knew my mum was trying her best. I'd then get into trouble in class. I hated year 7. It was like I was in this trap I couldn't get out of.
When I got trainers for Christmas I would change into them as soon as I left the house but then I'd get detentions for it. But it was still better than being the joke of the class.
That was the point that school told us about Solemates.
I got a brand new pair of shoes.
Ones I chose myself for once! Not old. Not too big. Just normal shoes!
Shoes I didn't feel ashamed of."
BREAKING THE CYCLE
Eventually the school rang my mum about my uniform and the detentions and everything else.
Mum ended up telling them about the problems we were having at home which was embarrassing but actually after a while I felt glad someone else knew. It was a relief.