Edinburgh families sleeping in layers of coats just to stay warm
The Leith Collective launches annual Winter Coat Exchange and hopes to make it more accessible than ever.
Article Source: The Leith Collective
Last Updated: 30 September 2025 16:26
With the temperature beginning to drop and energy prices continuing to rise, one local Community Interest Company is warning of the extreme measures some Edinburgh families are resorting to just to stay warm.
Last year, The Leith Collective was responsible for redistributing more than 11,000 coats to those in need as part of their annual Winter Coat Exchange. Many of those who benefitted from this initiative reported having to sleep in multiple layers of coats because they could not afford to switch on their heating. So this year, the team are calling on businesses, organisations, charities, community groups and individuals to get behind their campaign to bring warmth, comfort and dignity to even more people struggling this winter.
Launching on Wednesday 1st October, The Leith Collective is aiming to open official Winter Coat Exchange Collection Points right across the country. Here, members of the public will be able to donate good quality coats, and those in need can help themselves – free of charge, no questions asked.
Speaking ahead of the launch, The Leith Collective founder Sara Thomson said; “The number of families struggling to afford even basic essentials such as a warm winter coat is heartbreaking. So, this year we want our Winter Coat Exchange to be more accessible than ever. We want to see official Winter Coat Exchange Collection Points in every town and city across Scotland so that coats can be kept out of landfill and passed on to those who truly need them.”
One organisation keen to sign up to the scheme once again this year is the Edinburgh CIC, Let the People Sing. Founder Vicky Scoular said; “Many people struggling to make ends meet simply can’t afford to travel to pick up a coat, so it’s important that as many organisations as possible sign up to become an official Winter Coat Exchange Collection Point to make it accessible. We all have an important part to play in the fight against poverty.”
Organisations can sign up to become an official Winter Coat Exchange Collection Point at www.we-relove.com, the sustainable online marketplace from The Leith Collective. The website also enables individuals in need to enter their postcode and find their nearest collection point, so they can get a quality coat without charge and without judgement.
• The Leith Collective at Ocean Terminal
Ocean Drive
Edinburgh
EH6 6JJ
Opening hours: Monday - Saturday 11am - 6pm, and Sunday 11am - 5pm
• The Leith Collective at Fort Kinnaird
Newcraighall
Edinburgh
EH15 3RD
Opening hours: 10am - 8pm seven days a week
• The Leith Collective at Overgate
14 Reform Street
Dundee
DD1 1UQ
Opening hours: 10am – 6pm, seven days a week
Full details of the Winter Coat Exchange can be found at www.we-relove.com/providing-coats-for-those-in-need.
Image: Sara Thomson
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