A university student has launched a ‘footwear for re-wear’ campaign to encourage people to donate too-small, unused or unworn footwear for the benefit of refugees.

Helen Jones from Ivybridge and Nicola Harrison, both students of podiatry at Plymouth University, launched the campaign after they became aware of the ill effects of poorly fitting shoes on feet.

The pair were also inspired by a podiatry-led volunteer programme called The Foot Project - Greece, which showed them how desperately needed second-hand footwear is to refugees throughout Europe.

The students got in touch with those running the programme and asked if they would be interested in receiving donations of footwear. They were put in touch with charity CalAid, who told them they could send a shipment of donations to their UK base in Slough to be sent out to Greece.

It will then be offered to refugees via a purpose built outlet, where they can try donated clothes and shoes on, before giving them a new home.

Helen and Nicola formed a working party with fellow students to encourage local schools in Plymouth and the South Hams to get involved, so parents could donate their too-small, unused or unworn footwear at the end of the academic year.

Families have been asked to donate their unwanted shoes on the last day of the academic year. The footwear will then be collected for sorting and shipping. The Erme and Manor primaries in Ivybridge have both already confirmed their involvement, as have members of the public in Ivybridge.

Through the scheme, Helen and Nicola also hope to raise the profile of podiatry as a healthcare profession. Central to the podiatrists role is the prevention and correction of deformity, keeping people mobile and active, relieving pain, and treating infections.

Helen said: “Without bringing together support from local companies, volunteers and our programme lead Sally Abey, we would not have been able to coordinate such a slick venture.

She continued: “Logo Design Ltd based in Derriford have been kind enough to design our fabulous poster, the 1st Ivybridge & Plympton Scout group have kindly offered us their facilities to sort and clean the donations and Gregory’s distribution based in Lee Mill have offered to palletise and distribute the final collection to Slough free of charge; services for which we are all truly grateful.”

If you or your school would like to make a donation, Helen can be contacted on: 07827 816203 or via email on: [email protected] .