We’re proud to make a positive impact both on the environment and in our community.
By keeping clothing in circulation through our shop, sales and upcycling activities, we help reduce textile waste and promote more sustainable fashion choices. At the same time, our work placements and community programmes support individuals—especially young people—on their journey toward employment, confidence, and connection. Learn more about our charitable mission, or scroll down to explore the real-world impact of what we do.
Together in 2024 we...
items turned from unloved to re-loved. keeping 8,000 wearable items in circulation and upcycling another 2,000.
community upcycling activities delivered, from weekly meeting at our Cromer friendship hub to festive DIY Christmas jumper workshops.
unemployed individuals gained valuable employability skills and confidence through tailored work placements and mentoring.
individuals and families supported with free clothing or smart wear.
Our Environmental Impact
Fast fashion and a culture of disposability are taking a serious toll on our planet. In the UK alone:
- The average item is worn just 7 times before being discarded.
- We send 350,000 tonnes of clothing to landfill every year—that’s enough to fill Wembley Stadium!
- Fashion produces 10% of global carbon emissions—more than international flights and shipping combined.
It takes 2,700 litres of water to make a single cotton T-shirt—enough drinking water for one person for 2.5 years.
Extending the life of clothes by just 9 months can cut their carbon and water impact by up to 30%. Every year, New-U puts around 10,000 pre-loved items back into circulation. That’s not just fashion—it’s action:
- Up to 30 million litres of water saved—just by shopping second-hand.
- 30–50 tonnes of CO₂ emissions avoided—equal to driving 120,000+ miles in a petrol car.
By choosing pre-loved, you’re helping to reduce waste and protect our planet—one outfit at a time.
Social & Community Impact
At New-U, fashion is more than clothing—it’s a pathway to confidence, skills, and opportunity.
Through our work placement programme, we support unemployed individuals 18+ —particularly those who are NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training)—to build skills, gain experience, and move toward brighter futures.
In the UK, over 750,000 young people aged 16–24 are currently not in Education, Employment or Training. The longer someone remains out of work, the greater the risk of long-term hardship, reduced wellbeing, and social isolation. That’s why early, personalised support matters.
Each placement at New-U is person-centred and flexible, offering a safe, supportive environment for individuals to gain confidence, try new things, and feel valued. Studies show that investing in NEET support has strong social returns, reducing pressure on public services and unlocking untapped potential. At New-U, we’re proud to be part of that change. By helping people take small steps today, we’re opening doors to lasting impact—for them and their communities.
