Families in Bilston are being invited to a free back-to-school event at Matalan's Springvale Retail Park store on Sunday 23 August.
The retailer's travelling Confidence Caravan will be at the store from 10.30am until 4.30pm. Parents and loved ones can choose an encouraging message to be professionally sewn into a child's Matalan school uniform as a soft label.
Available messages are expected to include “Believe in yourself”, “You're braver than you know”, “Always be yourself” and “We're always behind you”. Families will also be offered a dedicated photograph opportunity at the event.
Bilston Confidence Caravan details
- Date: Sunday 23 August 2026
- Time: 10.30am to 4.30pm
- Location: Matalan, Springvale Retail Park, Springvale Way, Bilston, WV14 0QL
The event forms part of Matalan's “Big Them Up” back-to-school campaign and its partnership with the NSPCC. A press release supplied for the event said Childline delivered 1,531 counselling sessions between April 2025 and March 2026 in which returning to school or college was mentioned. It said mental and emotional health was the primary concern in 39% of those sessions.
Aisha Jakhura, head of brand at Matalan, said the initiative was designed to give children a small reminder that they are supported as they return to school.
Matalan and the NSPCC are also encouraging families to talk about back-to-school feelings, establish simple routines and make time for activities children enjoy.
Children and young people who need confidential support can contact Childline online or by calling 0800 1111.
The event details, campaign figures and photograph were supplied by Matalan and its communications agency. Photo: Matalan.
