About Us

To support adults out of work through flexible work placements in a textile swap shop which serves the wider community

Unemployed people have the chance to succeed and the wider community has a unique opportunity to contribute towards sustainable fashion

Fashion consumption continues to gain speed at unsustainable levels and relies on a culture of disposability. Online shopping rapidly increased the number of clothes we buy which was exacerbated by the multiple lockdowns.  Spending habits are typically influenced by the price of an item rather than the wider environmental impact of producing it. We buy 60% more clothing now than we did 15 years ago, and only keep these garments for half as long.  In the UK alone, 11 million items of clothing are sent to landfill every week. 

An individual deciding to reuse clothes is not likely to have a significant impact, however, coming together as a community of multiple re-users starts to make a real difference both in reducing waste and changing attitudes. We must change and replace our culture of disposable clothes consumption with a culture of repairing, sharing and re-using. New-U does just that.  People are encouraged to use our swap shop by getting something in return for their second hand or unworn new items. 

Young people were involved in the concept, design and evolution of New-U and continue to support us by being active participants on our Steering Group which meets quarterly to discuss new initiatives and ideas and feedback on current delivery.  This group includes representatives from the wider community such as customers, educational representatives, climate change activists, work place participants and shop volunteers.  The Steering Group helps us shape our design and delivery to ensure we continue to meet the ever-changing needs of the community. 

1) To offer young people opportunities to activate social entrepreneurship and opportunities for economic growth

2) To support the development of inclusive, community-orientated and value driven regeneration projects

3) To develop innovative and effective opportunities that can help to reduce inequality and improve social mobility amongst young people

4) To promote sustainable work ethics that reduce the environmental impact and the conservation of the natural world

1. Widening Collaboration

By encouraging partnerships between local people, public services and the business community

Involving local people in the development of the organisation and its projects, by offering volunteering and work placement opportunities
Working closely with other services, helping to provide integrated responses for funders and commissioners
Working with local business groups to identify areas of interconnectivity, including landlords and Business Improvement Districts.

2. Making A Positive Environmental Impact

Working sustainably and being transparent about our impact on people, places and the planet

Supporting the business community to connect their CSR and Environmental Management Systems to the needs of local communities
Ensuring that the recycling of clothing remains at the core of our work, supported by at least one board member with expertise in environmental impact.
Testing all new projects for their impact on the environment and making this information available to stakeholders

3. Focussing on Community and Wellbeing

Providing a shared space to support strong and healthy communities

Improving people’s physical and mental health by supporting people to create new friendships and to develop their skills
Ensuring that opportunities are accessible to people who experience barriers when trying to access mainstream support and jobs
Helping communities to be resilient by making sustainable living a more reachable goal.

4. Motivating to Succeed

Unlocking potential and providing people with the opportunities to achieve their goals

Creating links to schools and FE colleges, increasing access to accredited training including apprenticeships
Ensuring that all parts of the organisation have the skills they need to carry out their roles and to progress
Conducting regular skills audits and acting on their results.

5. Supporting inclusive growth

Using our resources wisely and re-investing in the local economy

Playing a full and active role in the future of high streets, providing new services and shared spaces for people to meet and socialise
Supporting other SMEs including start-ups by sharing resources e.g training, volunteers and workshop space
Publishing annual social accounts showing the contribution made to people, places and the planet