The Hearth Network CIC has launched a new free online resource to help Sefton residents cut textile waste and get more life out of their wardrobes. The Garment Care Hub, part of the Southport-based Swish & Stitch project, is now live at swishandstitchthehearth.online.
The hub walks residents through five simple steps — Care, Repair, Reimagine, Pass On and Recycle — with short video guides at every stage. It includes a directory of verified local places to donate clothes, including Compassion Acts’ Uniform Hub at Victoria Centre, Lakeside Church’s Free Clothes Store, Salvation Army textile banks and Sefton Household Waste Recycling Centres.
The launch comes as Swish & Stitch marks a successful first community event. On 9 August 2026, the project held its inaugural Uniform Swap at Southport Market — diverting 51 kilograms of clothing from landfill, reusing 100% of the 169 items donated, and passing 149 of them to Compassion Acts’ Uniform Hub to support Southport families year-round.
Rebecca Armstrong, Project Lead at The Hearth Network, said:
“Sefton households throw away around 11 kilograms of clothing every year — most of it still perfectly wearable. The Garment Care Hub is our way of giving people simple, practical ways to break that cycle. Whether it’s fixing a hem, giving a favourite jacket a second life, or knowing exactly where to pass on the school uniform your kids have grown out of, everything is in one place — and it’s completely free.”
The hub was built by Southport-based freelance developer Theo Speers of Orael, with instructional voiceovers by Sharron Armstrong, Swish & Stitch’s Workshop Facilitator and a Southport dressmaker.
Swish & Stitch runs six themed community clothes swaps at Southport Market between July 2026 and February 2027, alongside repair and upcycling workshops at Southport Community Centre. The project is funded by the Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority (MRWA) and Veolia through the Zero Waste Community Fund 2026–27.
Upcoming free community swaps at Southport Market:
· Equinox Swap — Wednesday 16 September 2026 (adult evening swap)
· Black Cat Swap — October 2026
· Big Denim Swap — November 2026
· Curve Swap — January 2027
· Showstopper Swap — February 2027 (bridal and formalwear)
All events are free. Tickets and further information at hearthnetwork.co.uk
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