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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Oct 28, 2023

2 min read

In recent years, there's been a growing buzz around a unique and eco-friendly addition to gardens worldwide - bug hotels. These miniature structures are not only charming garden decorations but also serve as crucial havens for a variety of beneficial insects and other small creatures.

So what are bug hotels and how they are making a positive impact on our environment?

Bug hotels, sometimes referred to as insect hotels or bug houses, are man-made structures designed to mimic the natural shelters and nesting spots that insects and other small wildlife seek in their habitats. These mini sanctuaries are typically constructed using a mix of organic and recycled materials, making them both sustainable and attractive garden features.

Bug hotels are like boutique accommodations for a range of fascinating and essential garden inhabitants. They provide shelter and nesting sites for a variety of creatures, including:

Bees: Solitary bees, which are important pollinators, find refuge in bug hotels. They lay their eggs in tiny holes or chambers within the structure.
Ladybirds: These beloved garden predators overwinter in bug hotels, helping to keep harmful pests in check.
Butterflies and Moths: Many species of these delicate insects use bug hotels as a safe spot to pupate and seek shelter.
Spiders: While not everyone's favourite, spiders play a crucial role in controlling insect populations. Bug hotels offer them a cosy hideout.
Beetles, Lacewings, and Hoverflies: These insects are all-natural pest controllers and are often drawn to the welcoming environment of bug hotels.

Bug hotels bring a host of advantages to the garden ecosystem:

Biodiversity: By attracting and providing a home for various insects, bug hotels increase the biodiversity in your garden. This, in turn, creates a healthier and more balanced ecosystem.
Pollination: Solitary bees, in particular, are excellent pollinators. Providing them with a habitat ensures better fruit and vegetable yields in your garden.
Pest Control: Many bug hotel residents are natural predators of garden pests, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
Education: Bug hotels are fantastic tools for educating both children and adults about the importance of insects and their role in the environment.
Aesthetics: Bug hotels can be beautifully designed, adding a unique and charming element to your garden.

Creating a bug hotel is a creative and eco-conscious endeavour. You can use a variety of materials such as logs, bamboo canes, twigs, pinecones, straw, and recycled items like old pallets. The key is to provide a range of habitats, including different-sized holes and crevices to accommodate various insects.

Bug hotels are relatively low-maintenance, but they do require periodic upkeep. Cleaning out the chambers and replacing old materials is essential to keep the environment healthy for your tiny residents.

Bug hotels offer a win-win situation for both your garden and the environment. They support biodiversity, promote pollination, and contribute to a more balanced and ecologically friendly landscape.

So, if you're looking for a way to enhance your garden's appeal while giving back to nature, consider welcoming these charming bug hotels into your outdoor space.

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Accessible Clothing Project Receives Funding Boost

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