Accessible Clothing Project Receives Funding Boost

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People living with disabilities and age-related mobility challenges will be able to enjoy improved independence thanks to a project that adapts everyday clothing to meet their individual needs.

Sharon Tombs and the team at Dressability are expanding their Mobility Matters project, helping more people stay comfortable and confident in the clothes they choose to wear.

Based in Wiltshire, Dressability is a specialist garment adaptation charity that works with disabled and older people throughout the UK. Its skilled dressmakers make custom alterations that help clients dress more independently, move safely and maintain their own personal style without compromising comfort while using mobility aids.

The Mobility Matters project focuses on removing the barriers that standard clothing can create, such as trip hazards or loose pieces catching on wheelchairs, that most of us never need to think about.

The adaptations made by Sharon and her colleagues range from replacing fiddly fastenings such as shirt buttons with magnetic alternatives, adjusting garments for wheelchair users, accommodating spinal curvature and reinforcing clothing for children who achieve mobility through crawling.

By tailoring garments to meet individual mobility needs, the charity helps people reduce reliance on others and remain active in everyday life. The service also supports dignity, choice and self-esteem, ensuring that functionality does not come at the expense of personal identity and style.

The project has received a £2,490 donation from the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust, the charitable branch of the UK’s largest manufacturer and seller of wheelchair accessible vehicles, Allied Mobility.

The funding will help Dressability to adapt more than 30 garments for people who need them, and continue delivering its specialist service to people whose quality of life can be improved through carefully considered clothing adaptations.

Sharon Tombs, General Manager at Dressability, said:

"A huge thank you to the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust for their donation. We are entirely reliant on the support of organisations such as these to deliver this valuable service."

"We will use the money carefully and effectively as part of our Mobility Matters project, enabling us to alter many more garments."

Ben Jenkins, National Sales Manager at Allied Mobility, said:

"At Allied Mobility, we supply wheelchair accessible vehicles to customers across the UK and we understand how important independence and personal choice are to people's daily lives."

"Style and comfort needn’t be given up in the name of accessibility. We are delighted to support Dressability’s Mobility Matters project as it helps bridge the gap, ensuring more people can wear the clothes they love while maintaining comfort and dignity."

The funding will help ensure more people can access clothing adapted to their personal needs, allowing them to move more freely, maintain their own individual style and enjoy greater confidence in everyday life.

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Jan 19

2 min read

Aberdeenshire-based author James E Mack is expanding his creative enterprise with a new live events business thanks to support from Business Gateway.

James, a former Royal Marines Commando and intelligence operative, with almost three decades of experience in covert operations and international security, took up the pen five years ago to write The Killing Agent. Drawing on his real-world experience of conflict and espionage, he has crafted tales of intrigue and suspense that have captivated readers. Since then, he has written six further books, including his memoir Hunter Killer Spy, and built a strong following. This summer he reached a major milestone by signing a publishing deal with Penguin Random House for his The Kill Chain series.

His new venture, Cloak and Dagger Special Events, brings audiences into the secret world of spies and covert operations. Taking his rich storytelling to a live setting, James draws on his own experiences alongside former intelligence operatives, special forces personnel and undercover police officers. The events combine real world insight with engaging storytelling and humour. Initial sessions have already been met with strong interest from audiences.

Business Gateway has provided hands-on support as James developed this new strand of his business. His local adviser, Sean Cowie, has worked closely with him, offering one-to-one guidance on business planning, marketing strategies and routes to funding.

This tailored support has helped James refine the events concept, plan and deliver sessions effectively, and build a strong foundation for growth. By combining practical business guidance with insight into the creative side of his work, Sean has helped James expand his offering to audiences.

James said:

“Business Gateway has been instrumental in helping me focus, plan and launch this new venture with confidence. Sean’s advice and guidance have been invaluable at every stage of development.”

Sean Cowie, Business Gateway adviser, said:

“James combines a remarkable professional background with genuine storytelling talent. He has worked hard to grow his writing business and Cloak and Dagger is a natural and ambitious next step."

“Supporting him as this idea has taken shape has been a pleasure, and I look forward to seeing how the business develops further.”

To find out more about how Business Gateway can help your business, visit here.

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Accessible Clothing Project Receives Funding Boost

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