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Rethreaded End Report

by London Borough of HaveringReThreaded

RETHREADED: When a Fashion Project Became So Much More

A sustainable fashion and creative wellbeing programme delivered by Youth Unity CIC, supported by Park Charitable Trust for Girls

When RETHREADED launched in February 2026, it was designed as a 12-week sustainable fashion project, a chance for young girls to explore creativity, confidence and self-expression through design and upcycling. Twelve weeks later, it had grown into something none of us quite expected: a safe space, a friendship circle, and a genuine community.

From strangers to a friendship circle

We began with a cohort of 14 girls, many of whom had never met before. What happened over the following weeks was a quiet kind of magic. The group settled into one another, built trust, and turned a weekly workshop into a place they genuinely looked forward to.

The original plan was simple: six weeks with an older group, then six weeks with a younger one. But the first cohort didn’t want to leave. Instead of stepping back, the older girls chose to stay and naturally began mentoring and encouraging the younger participants as they joined. That single decision shaped everything that followed: stronger relationships, growing confidence among the younger members, and a real sense of belonging and ownership across the whole group.

Creativity on their own terms

Working with sustainable and upcycled materials, the girls designed and made a range of unique fashion pieces. We’d originally imagined a commercial angle a TikTok Shop where the group could sell what they made. But as the sessions went on, the girls became far more interested in creating personal pieces for themselves than producing items to sell.

We followed their lead, and it was the right call. Letting the young people steer the direction of the programme guided by their own interests, confidence and creativity is exactly what youth-led work should look like. Along the way they showed real individuality, problem-solving, teamwork and a visible pride in their work. One participant even wore and modelled her own design while away on holiday, a small moment that said everything about the confidence she’d built.

A space to grow

Beyond the sewing machines and fabric, RETHREADED became a trusted, emotionally safe environment. The sessions opened up natural conversations about confidence, identity, self-image and sustainability, and gave the girls a place to express themselves without fear of judgement. The friendships and support networks formed here are, for many, the part that will last longest.

Celebrating together

We closed the programme with a private celebration and fashion showcase at The Battis Youth Hub, where the girls shared the pieces they’d created. Keeping it intimate was a deliberate choice a comfortable space for the participants to feel proud of their work among people they trust. A professional filmmaker joined us to capture the journey, creating a lasting legacy piece of everything the group achieved.

More than a fashion project

RETHREADED became a confidence-building programme, a peer support network, a creative wellbeing project and a platform for self-expression. It’s shown us just how much value there is in safe, youth-led spaces where girls can explore who they are — and it’s left us excited about what comes next.

With thanks to Park Charitable Trust for Girls for making this programme possible.

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Session 2: Charity Shop Creative Hunt

by London Borough of HaveringReThreaded

Session 2: Charity Shop Creative Hunt

Our second session of the Rethreaded Fashion Project was all about inspiration, creativity, and exploring sustainable fashion in the local community.

This week we took the group of girls on a visit to several local charity shops, giving them the opportunity to hunt for interesting pieces that could later be reimagined and transformed into new designs. The idea behind this session was to encourage the group to start looking at clothing differently — not just as finished items, but as materials that can be repurposed, redesigned, and given a completely new life.

The girls quickly got into the spirit of the session, browsing through rails of clothes and accessories, sharing ideas with each other, and spotting pieces that stood out to them. There was lots of excitement as they discovered unique items, from statement jackets to vintage fabrics and accessories that could be used creatively in future designs.

Each participant chose a few items that inspired them, thinking about how these could be upcycled or redesigned in the upcoming workshops. It was great to see the group working together, offering suggestions to one another and starting to develop ideas for what their final pieces might look like.

The trip also helped highlight an important part of the Rethreaded project’s message — that fashion doesn’t always need to be new to be exciting. By exploring charity shops and second-hand clothing, the young people are learning about sustainability, creativity, and the value of reusing materials, while also developing confidence in their own design ideas.

Back at the hub, the group shared their finds and talked about how they might transform them in the next stage of the project. From cutting and reshaping garments to adding new fabrics and details, the possibilities are already sparking plenty of imagination.

We can’t wait to see what the group creates next as they begin turning their charity shop finds into unique, upcycled fashion pieces.

The creativity is only just getting started.

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Rethreaded Session Day 1

by London Borough of HaveringReThreaded

This week we welcomed the first group of young people to our Rethreaded Sustainable Fashion Project and what a brilliant start it was.

Although we had a smaller group than expected due to the school break and other commitments, the session felt focused, creative and full of potential. Sometimes smaller groups allow for deeper conversations and stronger connections and that was certainly the case.

The girls spent time getting to know each other, sharing ideas and beginning to sketch their own design concepts. From bold statement pieces to creative re-imagining of everyday clothing, it was inspiring to see their individuality already shining through. There was real excitement in the room as ideas started turning into rough designs on paper.

Rethreaded is about much more than fashion. As outlined in our session plan

Rethreaded Lession 1 the project is designed to build:

  • Confidence
  • Self-expression
  • Creativity
  • Peer connection
  • A sense of belonging

This first session focused on creating a safe, welcoming space where every idea mattered. The young people explored what fashion means to them, how creativity connects to identity, and what they hope to gain from the project over the coming weeks.

Next week we’ll begin developing these initial sketches further and exploring sustainable materials and upcycling. The energy is building already and we’re excited to welcome the full group back together.

This is just the beginning of something special.

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The Cage

by Community DevelopmentLondon Borough of BexleyNew ProjectsPeabody Housing

The Cage Summer Programme:
Youth Voice, Art, and Community Impact

This summer, Youth Unity CIC delivered a six-week programme at The Cage in Thamesmead, following strong demand from young people who asked us to return after our first community event in June. Many told us they didn’t feel safe or welcome in the space — but also that they valued the positive, inclusive environment we created.

A Creative Collaboration

Working with C-That.co.uk, the project included a youth-driven art installation. Week after week, young people helped design and paint murals on the outer walls of The Cage, transforming the area into a space they could take pride in. This creative process gave participants a real sense of ownership and visibility.

Consistent Youth Engagement

Over six weeks, we delivered a mix of activities including sports, music recording, podcasting, and gaming. These sessions provided safe, structured alternatives and encouraged young people to return week after week. Attendance was strong across all age groups and backgrounds, showing clear demand for this kind of consistent, positive provision.

What We Found

Our engagement also highlighted some important safeguarding concerns:

  • Many younger children on the estate are often left unsupervised, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation and grooming.

  • A significant number of young people have become desensitised to gang culture, seeing it as “just a way of life.”

  • This underlines the urgent need for trusted role models and safe, supportive spaces.

Recognition at the Highest Level

The programme concluded with a visit from the Deputy Mayor of London, who recognised the importance of this work and the value of investing in young people locally. Their presence reinforced that the voices of Thamesmead’s youth matter at both a community and city-wide level.

Impact and Outcomes

  • Reduced community tensions during a sensitive period.

  • Engagement of young people most at risk of anti-social behaviour.

  • Strengthened collaboration with schools, residents, and statutory partners.

  • Increased awareness of key safeguarding issues including vaping, littering, and weapons.

  • Six well-attended sessions that promoted wellbeing, community pride, and ownership of The Cage.

Partnership and Support

This programme was made possible through the ongoing support of Peabody Housing, whose funding and partnership ensure that vital community projects like this can continue to make a difference.

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Erith Unity – Art Project

by Bexley Community Safety PartnershipLondon Borough of Bexley
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Erith Art 2

Bexley Community Safety Partnership (BCSP) worked closely with Youth Unity CIC, as part of an ongoing approach to reducing violence in the local area, through this funding Youth Unity worked to install an amazing piece of artwork into the community of Erith.

Youth Unity worked with a local artist and youth worker, Cizeone to create this amazing mural in Erith, which is located on the underpass beneath the bridge at Bronze Age Way, next to Bexley College. 

Youth Unity also engaged the local community payback team to assist us in preparing the area ready for the artist to commence the piece. This contribution was instrumental in giving the team a sense of pride in their local area and was quoted to say “how great it was to be part of something and have the local community come and talk to them instead of walking past”. 

The message is a very positive one and has already received great feedback from the local community.  During the creation of the artwork we successfully engaged with many people from the community that stopped to find out more about the artwork. 

Special thanks to the community payback team and all their help!

To follow the BCSP please go to:

Facebook – Bexley Community Safety Partnership 

Twitter – @BexleyCSP

Special thanks to the Community PayBack team for assisting us with the preparation of the wall.  The team where happy to be part of something that is part of the community.