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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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A West Yorkshire team of field service engineers was full of praise after using the corporate facilities at a South Leeds adventure park recently.


Paul Biltcliffe, Team Manager at Sky, took 14 colleagues to Mission Out at Tingley Garden Centre for a team-building adventure day.


The team spent the morning having a team meeting in one of the bespoke cabins on the four-acre site before heading outside to experience the challenge of the High Ropes and the Tower Jump Pillow.


Feeding back to the team at Mission Out, Mr. Biltcliffe said:

“The cabin was ideal for us, and it made a really big change to a normal meeting room in a hotel or pub we would usually be in. Everything we needed was there, the screen was spot on, the layout of the room was perfect, and the food was freshly cooked and filling.
“The support the Mission Out squad gave us on the High Ropes and the Jump Pillow was awesome. There were lots of people to support us and really helped the afternoon flow.
"The encouragement given to one of my team who was struggling to make the jump was brilliant and, in the end, they managed to complete the task. Everyone loved the day and really got a lot from it. Thanks to you and your team for making it so memorable for us all.”

Duty Manager at Mission Out, Gemma Simpson was delighted with the feedback:

“Whether you are looking for an off-site meeting space, active challenge for your team or a day filled with outdoor learning through adventure, we worked with Sky to build a bespoke experience for their business.

“If you’re looking to strengthen bonds, boost productivity or foster innovation, our team-building programmes are designed by experts and tailored to meet your specific goals. Our dynamic and interactive activities encourage strategic thinking, problem-solving and effective leadership. With our experienced facilitators guiding the way, your team will embark on a journey of growth and discovery, unlocking hidden talents and building trust along the way in a unique adventure park environment.”

Mission Out offers a choice of modern, fully equipped and flexible meeting spaces as a base for corporate activities. The heated meeting spaces include plasma screens, flipcharts, notepads, pens and pencils plus refreshments. Packages start from £25 per person.


Designed to appeal to families, groups and parties as well as corporate customers, Mission Out also features giant swings, den-building and adventure golf among its many activities.


Tingley Garden Centre is part of the Yorkshire Garden Centres family that comprises Tong, Tingley, Otley and Bingley Garden Centres.

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