Woof with w as nose of a dog with ears and f as tail.

Availability Details

There will be a 3-hour session, once a week in Birtley (the week day is yet to be agreed). Any time you can give will be gratefully received. This is a 5-month pilot programme, and if successful, further funding will to sourced to continue the project. If you wish to just sew the coats from home when you have time, this is also possible.

Venue Address

Birtley Business Centre
Station Lane
Birtley
United Kingdom

54.895793603554, -1.583508832592

Areas covered
Policies in place

Volunteer Policy

Yes
Support and Training

Written role description

Yes

Expenses Reimbursed

Yes

Support and Training Details

Out of pocket transport expenses will be reimbursed (to be agreed in advance).

The Etika Trust is a charity offering bespoke solutions to complex issues both in the UK and India.  The Trust's key objectives are met via education and empowerment programmes.  This includes shining a light on modern day slavery throughout the fast-fashion industry through their ethical school uniforms. 

Their newest community project - Woof Warmers – highlights the importance of upcycling to reduce landfill. 

Etika are looking for volunteers to play an integral role in an innovative project to re-purpose their reject school uniform garments into dog-coats

You can help sew the garments and, if you like, also help to pass your skills onto the young people involved, to help them learn a new skill.

Option 1:

  • To sew the completed garments together
  • To sew Velcro onto the straps
  • Advise on stitching design techniques
  • Opportunity to input ideas and suggestions into designs.

Option 2:

  • To mentor participants and train how to sew completed garments

Get involved in either or both options.

All you need is an ability to use a sewing machine.  You can volunteer in their base at Birtley or if you would like to volunteer to make the coats from home this is also possible.

  • Opportunity to support a valuable community project.
  • Opportunity to be involved in an ethical, upcycling project, preventing unnecessary landfill.
  • Opportunity to pass on valuable skills to a new generation.
  • Opportunity to be involved in a diverse team supporting young people, some with additional needs, to develop and progress in life.
  • A chance to enter or re-enter a workplace environment. References available on request.
  • Out of pocket transport expenses will be reimbursed (to be agreed in advance).
  • Tea and coffee.

 

Skills needed

• Reasonable sewing skills and ability to use a sewing machine.
• Further skills would include volunteering within a small team of individuals who may have additional support needs.
• Friendly with good communication skills.
• Empathy to diverse needs, backgrounds and cultures.
Register your interest
Your details will be passed onto the organisation offering this volunteer opportunity so that they can contact you directly with more information. Anonymised information will be kept for monitoring purposes.