Rethreaded
Far more than a fashion project.
A 12-week sustainable fashion and creative wellbeing programme for young girls — building confidence, connection and self-expression through design, upcycling and a safe space to belong.
It grew into something far bigger than fashion.
A group that chose to grow together
We began with 14 girls, many of whom had never met. Over the weeks they became a close, supportive friendship circle — a safe and welcoming space where they grew in confidence and creativity together.
The plan was six weeks with an older cohort, then six with a younger one. But the first group's enthusiasm was so strong that the older girls chose to keep coming — and naturally began mentoring and encouraging the younger participants.
Positive peer mentoring, stronger relationships, and a genuine sense of belonging and ownership within the group.
We followed their lead
The project originally aimed at a TikTok Shop enterprise element. As sessions progressed, the girls became far more interested in creating personalised pieces for themselves than producing items to sell.
We let the programme evolve organically around their interests, confidence and creativity — and it became more wellbeing- and confidence-led as a result. These weren't deviations from the project; they were genuine youth-led participation.
What the young people gained
Creativity & skills
- Creativity and individuality
- Teamwork and problem-solving
- Sustainable design and upcycling
- Pride in their finished work
Confidence & wellbeing
- Growing confidence and self-image
- Emotional wellbeing and identity
- Confidence in self-expression
- Comfort being themselves without judgement
Friendship & connection
- Genuine friendships and support networks
- Positive peer relationships
- Communication skills
- A real sense of belonging
One girl proudly wore and modelled her own design while away on holiday.
A small moment that captured the confidence she'd builtShowcasing everything they made
To close the programme, the young people showcased all the pieces they had designed and created — proudly sharing their work within the trusted space they'd built together.
A professional photographer joined the session to capture their designs, creativity and growth, providing a lasting record and legacy of everything the group achieved.
Now running with an alternative provision
RETHREADED's success has opened a new chapter: we're now delivering the programme with an alternative provision setting, continuing to empower young females through creativity, confidence and connection.
The model has shown strong potential for future creative wellbeing projects for girls and young women across the community.
Honest reflections on delivery
Flexing around the young people's lives
Balancing attendance with exam season and the Easter holidays was a real challenge, so we temporarily paused rather than let the group miss key parts of the creative process. We extended the end date from 28 April to 28 May 2026 — giving the girls time to finish their designs, rebuild momentum and complete and showcase their finished pieces. Against the original proposal to engage around 24 young people, the programme engaged 24 — and exceeded expectations on engagement quality, confidence, peer support and pride in achievements.
Follow the story, session by session
Session 1 — Getting started
First introductions, ideas and the beginnings of a new group.
Session 2 — Charity shop creative hunt
Sourcing pre-loved materials to reimagine and upcycle.
Sustainable fashion in action
Designing and creating one-of-a-kind, personalised pieces.
The end report
The full write-up of the programme and its impact.
Moments from the programme
Photos from the RETHREADED programme. Published with appropriate consent for the young people shown.