Hospice Transforms Charity Shop Waste into Upcycled Treasures

In a move to tackle the growing issue of textile waste, a hospice in Wiltshire and Somerset has partnered with local craftspeople to breathe new life into unsaleable charity shop clothing. The hospice, Dorothy House Hospice Care, launched its "Threads for Care" initiative earlier this year, with the goal of reducing the amount of discarded textiles ending up in landfills.

Through the program, the hospice is collaborating with a network of local makers, creatives, and stylists to upcycle the clothes that would typically be deemed unsaleable. These repurposed items, which could include new clothing or products like tote bags, will then be sold in three of the charity's retail outlets.

"We've got lots of local makers and creators and we thought 'how can we partner with those to salvage some of the waste material and create something new'," explains Rowena Rees, the head of retail at Dorothy House. "It adds a different lens to what we do in the retail space and engages with our community."

By tapping into the skills and creativity of local artisans, the hospice is not only reducing waste but also supporting its surrounding community. The initiative represents a innovative approach to tackling the environmental impact of textile waste, while also generating revenue to support the hospice's vital work.