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Accessible Clothing Project Receives Funding Boost



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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Aug 7, 2025
2 min read

Leicester College is constructing a new Electrotechnical Workshop and Test and Inspection Lab at its Freemen’s Park Campus in the city.


The new facility will provide T Level, Technical Level 2, and evening Level 2 and 3 programme learners with greater exposure to a broader range of industry-standard materials, tools and equipment, significantly enhancing their knowledge, skills and behaviours in preparation for employment.


The building of the new facility, refurbishing an existing sports hall, is scheduled to be fully operational by September 2025.


The new Electrotechnical Workshop will enable students to develop their understanding of:

• Domestic and commercial practical installations

• Health and safety in building services

• Principles of electrical science

• Electrical installation techniques and wiring systems


In the Test and Inspection Lab, students will develop their understanding of:

• Inspecting, testing and commissioning electrical systems

• Maintaining and decommissioning electrotechnical systems

• Compliance with BS7671 wiring regulations


Nick Allen, Programme Area Manager at Leicester College, said:

“It’s widely accepted that the UK electrical industry is experiencing an increase in demand for skilled electricians but faces a significant skills shortage. By establishing this new facility, Leicester College is providing access for learners to state-of-the-art electrical equipment that will boost their expertise and, consequently, their employment opportunities.”

Darren Roome, Director of Curriculum - Construction at Leicester College, commented:

"The new Electrotechnical facility will provide the next generation of students with access to excellent teaching, learning and assessment opportunities. Equipped with a purpose-built workshop and the latest test and inspection technologies, the experienced teaching team will be well-positioned to deliver an enriched educational experience. It’s an exciting development for both staff and students."

The new labs will be equipped with modern training and assessment rigs supplied by Test Rigs UK Ltd.

Phillip Hague, Company Director at Test Rigs UK, added:

"Test Rigs UK Ltd are so privileged to work in partnership with Leicester College to produce and supply these products. The training and assessment rigs will allow the next generation of learners to practise and train in a safe, simulated environment allowing realistic testing and fault-finding practices to be learned and hopefully taking those skills with them into their future work as electricians in the industry."

"Test Rigs UK Ltd was set up for this very reason and to be a major player in this industry, and to be recognised by such an establishment like Leicester College is an honour. We look forward to seeing the learners in action on these rigs."


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