NATIONAL LOTTERY FUNDED ECO-FASHION PROJECT BRINGS OPPORTUNITIES TO TEES VALLEY

A new sustainable fashion initiative is launching in Tees Valley, offering people the chance to be part of creative, inclusive and community led climate action.

Neuthread, created by local autism charity Daisy Chain, has been awarded £1.5 million from The National Lottery Community Fund’s Climate Action Fund to bring a centre for reusing textiles to the region, which will transform textile waste into high-quality fashion that can be sold by charity retailers.

It will also offer a range of voluntary, career skills development and employment opportunities.

Daisy Chain supports thousands of autistic and neurodivergent individuals and has seen a significant rise in eco-anxiety among its service users. Many report feeling overwhelmed and powerless in the face of the climate crisis, with real impacts on their mental health.

“Neuthread offers something tangible in response, a way for people to take action, be creative and feel part of the solution to protect our planet,” said Johnathon Pickard, Director of Business Development at Daisy Chain.

“We’re so grateful to National Lottery players for helping us bring this to life. This isn’t just a fashion project, it’s the start of a new climate movement rooted in wellbeing, community and purpose.

Neuthread will build on Daisy Chain’s existing charity retail work, giving new life to unsellable clothing through its couture clothing range led by neurodivergent designers. It will also launch a dedicated Skills Academy to power its Mend It, Don’t Rag It campaign, aimed at teaching upcycling skills and encouraging others to rethink fashion.

“It is not only a chance for local volunteers, but also for charity retailers across the UK to join in and help collectively tackle the climate crisis, through reusing and being creative with textiles to make in demand items, reducing waste and people buying new,” continued Johnathon Pickard.

Melissa Eaglesfield, Interim Funding Strategy, Communications and Impact Director at The National Lottery Community Fund said, “Daisy Chain is creating something truly innovative and inclusive by turning waste textiles into fashion while putting neurodivergent talent in the spotlight.

“It’s climate action that brings multiple benefits – reducing waste, creating skilled jobs and volunteering opportunities, and making sure everyone can play a part in building a greener future. That’s why we’re thrilled to back Neuthread through our Climate Action Fund.”

Daisy Chain is working in partnership with The PFC Trust and in collaboration with six leading universities, providing placement opportunities for students and helping to build a new generation of sustainable fashion leaders.

Neeraj Sharma, CEO of Daisy Chain concluded, “This project is transformational for our charity and the community we serve.

“It will create real, lasting opportunities for neurodivergent people in an industry that has historically excluded them. From jobs and skills development to mental health and environmental action, Neuthread represents the kind of bold, inclusive thinking we need right now to support climate action. Tees Valley will be leading by example.”

To learn more or find out how to support the project, visit www.daisychainproject.co.uk or email [email protected].

Image 1: Johnathon Pickard, Director of Business Development at Daisy Chain, Neeraj Sharma, CEO of Daisy Chain and Cara Baumann, Senior Corporate Partnership, Events and Design Manager at Daisy Chain. Image Credit: Chris Booth/Tees Business