Fierce Futures CIC, a social enterprise dedicated to empowering women affected by sexual violence, is launching an innovative initiative to tackle the links between trauma, poverty and the textile waste problem created by fast fashion. With help from partners and a grant from the Merseyside Recycling & Waste Authority (MRWA) and Veolia Community Fund 2023/24, the ‘Style Swap Social’ project aims to repurpose 45.72 tonnes of textile waste over a 10 month period and engage an estimated 2,960 participants in Merseyside.
The project focuses on four major ‘Style Swap Social’ events spread across the Liverpool City Region, incorporating a mix of live music, styling activities, and educational workshops on sustainable fashion practices. The first event will be held on the 8th and 9th of July at the Lock and Quay in Bootle, with music from Gals Who Gig.
Two weeks later, a brand new music festival entirely run by women – WIMIN Festival – is scheduled to take place at the very same venue. Managed by Scrapyard Studios CIC, the festival is designed to showcase and cultivate the talents of women in the music industry. Attendees of ‘Style Swap Social’ will be encouraged to take home a festival-style outfit to wear at WIMIN Festival on 29th July.
“Our events offer a lively and super fun environment for empowering people to make informed decisions about their fashion habits, promoting a sense of community and purpose – and fostering confidence boosting creativity through fearless self expression!” said Anna Grace Du Noyer, Director of Fierce Futures CIC and Project Manager of Style Swap Social.
The project not only tackles textile waste but also seeks to provide a nurturing and safe space for vulnerable women to learn, grow, and express their creativity through fashion. It also offers hands-on experience in digital marketing, event management, design, and styling, further assisting those affected by trauma. Additionally, organisers are offering ‘no questions asked’ free vouchers to those who need them, promoting accessibility to fashion.
“By championing environmental responsibility and social inclusion, Fierce Futures CIC and the ‘Style Swap Social’ initiative seek to drive a sustainable fashion conversation in the Liverpool City Region,” concluded Anna.
ENDS
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.