Dressability

13/11/2025

🧵 You don’t need to have a disability to use Dressability’s services

Alongside our core work adapting clothing for people with disabilities and long-term health conditions, we also offer private alterations to local people.

This service sits alongside our main charitable work and includes things like shortening trousers, adjusting dresses, repairing zips and reshaping coats, all carried out by our skilled sewing team.

While most of what we do focuses on adapted clothing, we’re always happy to take on private alteration requests where capacity allows. Every job helps support our charity and ensures we can continue making clothing accessible for those who need it most.

If you’d like to use our alteration service, or you’re not sure what’s possible, we’d love to hear from you.

📍 Based in West Swindon
📞 01793 512878
📧 mail@dressability.org.uk

🌐 www.dressability.org.uk

A friendly and welcoming charity which supports the clothing needs of individuals with disabilities and those with limited dexterity.

10/11/2025

🧵 𝐀 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐭 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲!

Last week we had the pleasure of welcoming Rob, Swindon’s new Town Crier.

Rob’s outfit had been altered elsewhere and unfortunately needed some urgent attention before an important event. Our talented dressmaker Jackie stepped in straight away, carefully restoring it to its best.

Pictured here with Rob, Jackie made sure the outfit looked perfect in time for his event. By the end of the afternoon, Rob left looking every bit the part and delighted with the result. 👏

Moments like these remind us how proud we are to support our local community with skill, care and a personal touch. 💗

If you require an alteration, you do not need to have a disability to use Dressability’s services. We also take on private alterations, which help raise funds to support our core work adapting clothing for people with disabilities and long-term health conditions.

You can get in touch with us by calling us on 01793 512878 or emailing via mail@dressability.org.uk

09/11/2025

𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

This weekend, several members of the Dressability community are taking part in Remembrance events across the country.

Our trustee and vice chair, Nicky, will be attending the RBL's march past the Cenotaph with the RAF Widows Association, wearing her late husband Mick’s military coat. Mick, a former client of Dressability, wore this coat every Remembrance Sunday. Our dressmaker, Elsa, carefully re-tailored it so Nicky could wear it in his memory.

Pete, a long-standing client, is attending the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall and marching with Blind Veterans UK. Clare, another client, will also be at the Cenotaph wearing her newly altered blazer complete with her WRAF badge.

Remembrance Day is such an important time to pause, reflect and give thanks to those who served, and to those who continue to carry their memory forward.

Lest we forget.

07/11/2025

💗 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐬’ 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

This week we’re saying a big thank you to our wonderful trustees who quietly keep everything at Dressability running behind the scenes.

They give their time, energy and expertise completely voluntarily, helping to guide the charity, support our team and make sure we can keep doing what we do best, adapting clothing to make life a little easier for others.

Their support, insight and encouragement make all the difference, and we couldn’t do it without them. 💗

If you or someone you know might be interested in becoming a trustee, please get in touch via email to our Trustee Chair, Jean Crawford, at ijcrawford@btinternet.com

04/11/2025

𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐞 🧵

We recently welcomed a very special visitor into our workshop - Freddie the signing puppet!

Freddie isn’t just a toy - he’s a specialist, high-quality communication aid that helps Rachel, who has cerebral palsy and global learning delay, to sign, express her feelings and connect with others.

He’s been part of Rachel’s life for many years and has brought endless smiles, laughter and confidence to her world. After lots of love, his jacket had worn thin and his eyes had faded, so his mum Michelle brought him to Dressability for some care and repair.

Although this isn’t something we would usually do, Rachel has been a valued client of ours for over ten years - and we wanted to help. Freddie is now ready for many more happy moments ahead!

Read Freddie’s full story on our website 👇
🔗 https://www.dressability.org.uk/2025/10/30/the-story-of-freddie-a-puppet-worth-repairing/

02/11/2025

🧵 𝐖𝐞'𝐫𝐞 𝐇𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 – 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭-𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫 / 𝐓𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐧

Are you an experienced dressmaker or tailor looking for a meaningful role where your skills make a real difference?

Dressability is seeking a part-time dressmaker, tailor to join our friendly team in West Swindon. You’ll be helping us deliver bespoke clothing alterations and adaptations for people with disabilities or long-term health conditions, supporting them to feel confident and comfortable every day.

We’re ideally looking for someone who can also train and support our two sewing trainees, helping them grow their skills and confidence as part of our small, supportive team.

If you love sewing, enjoy working with people, and want your work to have real impact, we’d love to hear from you.

You can view details of the job role here:
👉 https://uk.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=35da8d0550005659

More information on Dressability and the services we offer can be found at:
👉 https://www.dressability.org.uk/

For any questions on the role or to apply, please contact Sharon Tombs at sharontombs@dressability.org.uk

31/10/2025

🎃 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲! 🎃

At Dressability, we love creativity - especially when it comes to expressing yourself through clothing. This Halloween, we’re celebrating all the imaginative costumes and handmade outfits that bring a bit of magic to the season.

As an adaptive clothing charity, we know how powerful it can be when fashion and creativity come together to help everyone feel included.

This year, we were especially inspired by former trustee and BBC sports presenter Andy Stevenson, who created his son’s Halloween outfit by drawing it entirely with his foot. Despite having a disability, Andy shows that determination and creativity can make anything possible.

From all of us at Dressability - have a fun, spooky and inspiring Halloween! 👻🕷️

28/10/2025

𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝.

If you have a background in HR and would like to use your expertise to make a real difference, we’d love to hear from you.

As part of our Board of Trustees, you’ll help shape the direction of our charity and ensure we continue providing our much-valued clothing adaptation service for people with disabilities and limited dexterity.

🧵 HR experience required
🧵 Approx. 2 hours per month
🧵 Board meetings once a month in West Swindon
🧵 Voluntary role – but deeply rewarding

If you or someone you know might be interested, please get in touch via email to our Trustee Chair, Jean Crawford - ijcrawford@btinternet.com

24/10/2025

🌟 A big shout-out to our friend Anna Bird and the inspiring team at Mums on a Mission - Swindon! 🌟

We were delighted to see Anna and her group enjoying the fantastic new inclusive playpark facilities recently opened. Their ongoing efforts to campaign for better accessibility and improved facilities across Swindon are truly making a difference.

Mums on a Mission are a dedicated group of five local mums who have been working tirelessly to make community spaces more welcoming for everyone – ensuring children and families with additional needs can enjoy play and leisure without barriers.

We’re so proud to know and support people like Anna and her team, who share our belief that accessibility and inclusion benefit the whole community. 🧡

20/10/2025

✨ 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐤𝐞 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬✨

At Dressability, we believe clothing is about more than style - it’s about comfort, dignity and independence.

Bespoke and adaptive clothing is designed around you, not a “one-size fits all” model. It can transform the way people feel, move and live.

Learn more by reading our latest article on our website: https://www.dressability.org.uk/2025/10/20/why-bespoke-clothing/

Remember, to access our service or to find out more, get in touch at mail@dressability.org.uk or call 01793 512878. We'd love to see if we can help.

17/10/2025

𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲?

If you believe in making a difference by supporting individuals with disabilities or limited dexterity, there are so many ways you can get involved.

✨ Tell friends, family and organisations about what we do
✨ Share our posts and help spread the word about the unique service we offer
✨ Volunteer your time or skills
✨ Become a Trustee and help guide our future
✨ Donate to help us continue providing clothing adaptations that make a difference

Every conversation, every share and every bit of support truly matters 💕

You can learn more about volunteering, becoming a Trustee or donating on our website: www.dressability.org.uk

14/10/2025

🎭 A Touch of Theatre Magic for Sam 🎭

Meet Sam - a 34-year-old with both Down syndrome and autism, and a lifelong love of theatre and performing arts. 💛

Following the heartbreaking loss of his sister, Sam’s mum,, lovingly redecorated his bedroom as a tribute to his passion - a space filled with warmth, creativity and meaning.

The duvet cover features posters from the films and shows Sam has seen, but finding exactly what he wanted wasn’t easy. The only one available came all the way from America - and only in King Size!

Although it’s not something we usually do, Dressability was more than happy to step in and help one of our long-term clients. Our talented team carefully resized the duvet to fit a single bed and even created matching pillowcases so Sam could have the room of his dreams.

Now, Sam proudly points to the pictures on his bedding and walls, matching each to the shows he’s been to see. His joy is infectious - and his next theatre trip? Mamma Mia! 💃🎶

Sometimes, it’s not about fashion or function - it’s about comfort, confidence, and meeting someone’s individual needs with care.

💬 If you’d like to learn more about how Dressability supports people with unique clothing and textile needs, get in touch on 01793 512878 or mail@dressability.org.uk