Patch and Repurpose: Next Stitch

is FRP’s ambitious and inclusive programme

Patch and Repurpose: Next Stitch

We’re excited to welcome back our Green Champions Programmes! With the support of the National Lottery Connecting Communities Fund, we’re continuing to grow our work with a brand-new 10-week course: Patch and Repurpose: Next Stitch.

This programme builds on everything we’ve learned from previous projects and participant feedback. It offers a supportive, inclusive space for adults to develop practical textile skills, build confidence, and enhance wellbeing. Through hands-on workshops, you’ll learn how to visibly mend, upcycle, and create simple textile items you can continue making at home. Whether you’re working with a needle and thread or using a sewing machine, these skills are not only useful but can also be empowering and transformative. By extending the life of textiles, we can all play a part in reducing household waste and keeping fabric out of landfill and incineration.

The sessions are inspired by a growing movement to revalue old materials – giving new life to unwanted fabrics through creative reuse. No prior experience is needed: whether you’re a complete beginner or already confident with sewing, you’re very welcome to join.

Together, we aim to make a positive environmental impact while bringing people together through meaningful, creative community action. Throughout the programme, you’ll receive guidance, encouragement, and practical, hands-on support every step of the way.

To apply for a place on Patch and Repurpose: Next Stitch, please fill in the online form and our mentor will contact you.

Patch & Repurpose Form

Patch and Repurpose offers:

Wednesdays

Session:
2:00pm-4:00pm

Thursdays

Session:

To be confirmed

Sessions take place in our Office-Workshop place at 2C Bakers Ave, E17 9AW

If you are interested in joining us, please fill in the online form and we will be in touch with you as soon as possible.

Patch & Repurpose Form

A little bit about this programme:

Patch and Repurpose: Next Stitch will start in April. 

The programme is open to all adults. While it can be especially beneficial for those experiencing isolation or anxiety, or anyone seeking additional wellbeing support, it is not limited to this – everyone is welcome. Sessions are relaxed, friendly, and sociable, designed to support learning, creativity, and positive mental wellbeing.

Patch and Repurpose: Next Stitch - Activities

Participants will take part in supported, friendly, small group training sessions once a week over a 10-week period, with each session lasting 2 hours. The sessions are adapted to the needs of participants and provide opportunities to both learn new skills and share existing ones.
You will be guided by a mentor who will set structured tasks and offer ongoing support. You will be introduced to a different aspect of mending and upcycling through the Programme. All materials and equipment are provided but we'll encourage you to see what you XXX have at home to creatively repurpose.

Activities will cover things like:

• Hand embroidery and decorative stitching
• Creative and visible mending
• Appliqué and patchwork
• Transforming items like jeans, pillowcases, or shirts into something new
• An introduction to using a sewing machine

Our mentor

Penny runs Patch and Repurpose: Next Stitch - an introduction to sewing and creative mending. She has been involved with FRP as a volunteer, supporter and collaborator for a number of years.
She is a specialist in her field and will help you to develop or gain new skills and knowledge. Penny has a background in fashion, product and graphic design and teaching. She studied Fashion and Textiles, Design and Media Technology and has a PGCE in Fashion Education specialising in Art and Design.
Penny has always enjoyed creating and making. She has a strong interest in recycling and brings extensive experience in leading community sewing and creative workshops.

What can you expect from us?

FRP will:

• treat all participants and volunteers with respect and dignity - a Culture of Respect
• provide appropriate tasks and level of supervision in relation to the person's needs
• deal with concerns and complaints quickly and well
• have regular contact and provide support to each participant, and monitor wellbeing
• have policies and procedures in place, and support our staff, so we can support you and keep you safe

Additional Questions

Do I need any experience?

No, you don’t need any skills, but welcomed if you do
You will be taught basic techniques and anything else you need to know and the basic health & safety around the workshop.
If you don’t feel confident or comfortable with anything, you can speak with your mentor and work out what is the best way of moving forward.

Do I need to bring anything to the workshops?

You don’t need to bring anything with you. All sewing equipment and materials are provided. Tips will be given on making the most of materials you already have at home. Please remember that you will be working in a shared workshop with others and using various sewing tools. We will give you instruction on the safe use of these tools.

By taking part, you’ll discover the satisfaction of giving new life to old materials and see how small, positive actions can contribute to protecting the environment. You’ll also be encouraged to share your skills and ideas with friends, family, and the wider community – helping to inspire others and promote more sustainable habits.

FRP and Circular Economy

We reclaim fabric as part of our mission to protect the environment and divert surplus material away from incineration and landfill, and use it to inspire social change, and to make it available to the community. Manufacture of textiles and clothing is estimated to be responsible for over 20% of fresh water pollution and over 30% of plastic pollution in the world's oceans. Too many textiles then go to waste - often directly from factories and industry - causing pollution and greenhouse gases.

FRP Newsletter

Whenever we launch a new group, we will share the details in our newsletter as well as on our social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Make sure to subscribe to the FRP Green Champions Volunteering Newsletter to stay updated on all our volunteering opportunities and programme news.

Green Champions is made possible by everyone who takes part, and by funding from The National Lottery Community Fund.