Fresh from their successful uniform swap last Sunday at Southport market, community organisation The Hearth Network CIC has launched its new ‘Garment Care Hub’ website to help Sefton residents love their clothes for longer.
The launch of the platform, available at swishandstitchthehearth.online, aims to give residents across Sefton a central hub to access information regarding the Swish & Stitch campaign, sustainable fashion resources and videos to help you repair your own clothes.
The project addresses growing environmental concerns across the borough, where figures from the Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority show households dispose of more than 11 kilograms of textiles per household each year (the equivalent of roughly 15 pairs of jeans) with three-quarters of that waste consisting of reusable clothing and footwear.
Delivered by The Hearth Network CIC in partnership with Southport Market, Enhance Events, and the Uniform Hub (Compassion Acts) based at the Victoria Centre, the initiative works to keep wearable items out of landfill while reducing financial pressure on local families.
Rebecca Armstrong, Project Lead at The Hearth Network, said:
“Sefton households throw away around 11 kilograms of clothing every year – most of it still perfectly wearable. The Garment Care Hub is our way of giving people simple, practical ways to break that cycle. Whether it’s fixing a hem, giving a favourite jacket a second life, or knowing exactly where to pass on the school uniform your kids have grown out of, everything is in one place – and it’s completely free.”
The initiative is backed by grant funding from the Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority’s Zero Waste Community Fund 2026–27, alongside support from the Southport Learning Trust to connect directly with local school communities.
Visitors to the new website can read about how the community swaps operate, discover practical tips on textile care and repairs, and learn more about how donated items continue to support families across Sefton year-round through the Uniform Hub.
Upcoming free community swaps at Southport Market:
· Equinox Swap — Wednesday 16 September 2026 (adult evening swap)
· Black Cat Swap — October 2026
· Big Denim Swap — November 2026
· Curve Swap — January 2027
· Showstopper Swap — February 2027 (bridal and formalwear)
All events are free. Tickets and further information at www.thehearthnetwork.co.uk
