Grant funding all sewn up

Grant funding all sewn up

18 September 2024

LOCAL organisations are being encouraged to apply for a grant designed to support projects that promote textile reuse and repair.

Such work is closely aligned with Tools for Solidarity which is keen for groups to apply for the Tackling Textiles Skills and Innovation Grant funded by the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful.

Financial support of between £1,000 and £3,000 is available.

At the heart of Downpatrick’s Tools for Solidarity workshop is a commitment to social inclusion and sustainability.

Volunteers, including people with disabilities, learning difficulties, or mental health challenges, help refurbish sewing machines and tools that are sent to projects in Africa, where they support artisans in building sustainable livelihoods.

The refurbished tools and machines give new life to products that would otherwise go to waste, with the financial support on offer able to help local organisations develop and expand projects that make a tangible difference in reducing textile waste and promoting sustainable practices. 

With the deadline for grants this Friday, groups are being encouraged to apply, with the finance generated via the carrier bag levy.

Now in its third year, the grant rewards ideas that advance textile reuse and repair and is available to small and medium sized enterprises and not for profit organisations with proposals that include developing skills and engaging in textile repair and reuse. 

The objective of the grant programme is to reduce textile waste by increasing the availability and awareness of these more sustainable practices in Northern Ireland.

And as Northern Ireland transitions towards a low-emissions, nature-rich society, as outlined in DAERA’s Draft Green Growth Strategy, the Tackling Textiles Skills and Innovation Grant plays a supporting role by developing sustainable practices.

This involves extending the life of products and minimising waste by increasing reuse and repair across wider textiles industry. 

By advancing green skills and supporting SME’s and not for profit organisations to adopt or promote these practices, the grant helps ensure that Northern Ireland continues on the path of sustainable development.

Keep NI Beautiful is inviting SMEs and not-for-profits to submit proposals focused on tackling textile waste and is particularly interested in applications from the fashion industry to explore ways they can contribute to reuse and repair initiatives in Northern Ireland.

The grant is also open to any eligible organisation with a proposal to tackle textile waste. 

The primary goal is to support the local textile sector in offering the public better access to sustainable choices by developing reuse and repair initiatives.

According to research carried out by Keep NI Beautiful, only four per cent of people surveyed recognise that the production and consumption of clothing can be harmful to our environment.

Chris Gourley, waste and pollution solutions strategic lead at Keep NI Beautiful, said the province’s textile industry, particularly those in fashion, can play an important role in reducing waste and advancing sustainable practices for textiles.

“Through a competitive process, the Tackling Textiles Skills and Innovation Grant seeks to invest in enterprises that wish to develop skills, engage in reuse and repair, and promote a green economy,” he said.

“With 19 projects already funded to the value of £32,000 across Northern Ireland, we are eager to continue to build on this success by supporting new initiatives that can make a positive impact.”

Local textile designer and sewing tutor, Angeline Murphy, successfully applied for grant funding in 2022 and 2023. 

She produced a series of online tutorials focused on upcycling, repairing, mending, buying, and selling second-hand. 

Her goal was to provide engaging content across her social media platforms to increase awareness of textile waste and demonstrate the ways in which people can reduce waste at home.

“I would encourage any eligible organisation with a great idea to apply this year,” said Angeline.

“The funding helped me share my knowledge and inspire others. I really enjoyed sharing my skills through online channels;  the feedback was fantastic and there was a great age range of people taking part.”