A new community project in Southport is set to help residents reduce clothing waste and build practical skills, thanks to funding from the Merseyside Recycling & Waste Authority (MRWA) / Veolia Zero Waste Community Fund 2026–27.
Swish & Stitch — Southport, led by The Hearth Network CIC, will deliver a programme of clothes swaps, sewing workshops and digital resources designed to encourage people to reuse, repair and rethink the clothes they already own.
The project was launched this week at the MRWA Zero Waste Community Fund event at the Gillmoss Recycling Discovery Centre, where community groups from across the Liverpool City Region came together to begin delivery.
Project Lead Rebecca Armstrong said:
“Swish & Stitch is about helping people feel more confident with the clothes they already own. A small repair or a simple swap can make a big difference — not just financially, but environmentally too.”
Over the coming months, the project will deliver:
- six themed clothes swap events at Southport Market, delivered in partnership with Enhance Events
- a six‑session stitch programme for young women aged 18–25 at Southport Community Centre
- a digital garment care hub offering simple repair and clothing care guidance
The swap events at Southport Market will provide an accessible and welcoming space for local residents to take part, while the workshop programme focuses on building confidence, skills and connection for a younger cohort.
The project also brings together different parts of the community, with experienced local volunteers supporting participants to learn practical sewing skills — creating a strong intergenerational element.
Swish & Stitch aims to reduce textile waste, increase reuse, and give residents the confidence to keep clothes in use for longer — helping to tackle one of the UK’s fastest‑growing waste streams.
More details on upcoming events and how to get involved will be announced in the coming weeks.
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