2023-03-31 11:15:17
Hft promotes sustainability with ‘first of many’ clothes swap
Among the many staggering fast-fashion facts is that 100 billion items of clothing are produced each year. In recognition of this, and in an effort to raise awareness of the fact, staff at national learning disability charity Hft hosted their very first clothes swap.
The event, which took place on Wednesday 29 March at the charity’s head office in Bristol, saw around 25 staff members attend in an effort to promote sustainability efforts. With a goal of raising awareness for the environmental and social impacts of fast-fashion, staff were encouraged to donate five items of clothing from their wardrobes and take home five different items of clothing from the other donations.
Staff members were also encouraged to donate £5 towards the event which will go towards Hft’s services for adults with a learning disability and autism in their west region. The funds raised will contribute to ongoing projects that are currently seeking extra funding such as sensory rooms and garden equipment.
The idea first came about following a discussion with Hft’s Sustainability Taskforce – a colleague-run sustainability group. Both Megan Evans, Sustainability Lead at Hft, and Lauren Fields, Hft’s Community Fundraising Officer, were keen to take the idea forward and host a cross-functional sustainability and fundraising event.
“Having discussed the concept more with colleagues, it became clear that the environmental and social impacts of fast-fashion is an issue people feel strongly about, and so it was agreed that we would host our first clothes swap event and fundraise for Hft at the same time,” Megan explains.
She adds, “It was important to use the opportunity to spread awareness and raise money that will go towards funding Hft projects and initiatives. We think we have also demonstrated how fun clothes swapping can be; it was great to get together with like-minded individuals and browse through each other’s clothes. There was music and cake and it all added to a great atmosphere!”
Yesterday’s clothes swap is just one example of opportunities Hft is hoping to provide to act on the issues of waste and recycling. Both of these issues were highlighted as priorities to both the people supported by the charity and staff during the development of a sustainability strategy.
The pair are hoping this is the first of many swap events and are hoping to, in the future, extend invites to the people supported by Hft and encourage their services across England and Wales to host their own events.
Megan concludes, “The impacts of fast fashion effect everybody. It’s important that we can all champion sustainability, circularity and action against environmental issues.”
Notes to editors
For further information please email media.enquiries@hft.org.uk
About Hft
Proudly established in 1962 by a group of visionary parents, Hft is a charity supporting more than 2,500 learning disabled adults in England and Wales. Together, we are creating a future where learning disabled people and their families can live the best life possible.
Providing personalised support. Creating solutions for living independently. Coming together to campaign for positive change. Fundraising for new opportunities and a bigger impact.
In 2033, we’ll live in a world where learning disabled people have greater choice. About where they live. The support they need and want. And how to spend their time and money.
Learning disability versus difficulty
A learning disability is different from a learning difficulty but the terms are often confused and used inter-changeably. A learning difficulty does not affect general intellect, whereas a learning disability is a life-long condition characterised by a reduced intellectual ability and struggle with everyday activities.
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For more information about Hft please visit www.hft.org.uk
