This summer we ran a 6 week course with Woodward Court, temporary accommodation for all adult homeless households who have presented as homeless to Manchester City Council with low-medium support needs. Other projects at Woodward Court include cooking skills, social nights and gardening.
The project enabled the residents to learn a new skill that they could translate into their daily lives – both hand and machine sewing. Participants first learnt to use a sewing machine, passing their sewing machine driving test and making a cushion cover with a button fastening.
The last four weeks were focussed on creating a project of their choice: a bucket hat, tote bag, or box pencil case, out of recycled fabric. We also gave the space for the group to pursue what they were interested in; for example, we taught some clothing repairs with items people had brought in.
We loved working with the group to help them develop their sewing skills, and develop confidence in completing their own projects.
