How hospice shops are leading the way in sustainable fashion

At Barnsley Hospice, sustainability and style go hand-in-hand! Over 20 talented fashion students from Barnsley College took on a unique challenge - transforming second-hand pieces from the hospice’s retail hub into runway-ready designs.

Their project turned old denim and thrifted garments into bespoke fashion that drew inspiration from local landmarks and the human form. The students’ final designs were a hit, with hospice staff blown away by their talent. As fashion tutor Amy Basry put it, “They are the future!”  

These young designers are proving that sustainable fashion is here to stay.

At St Oswald’s Hospice’s Gosforth charity shop in Newcastle upon Tyne, pre-loved clothes are getting a fabulous second life, thanks to volunteer Viv Fung.

After years in the fashion industry, Viv took her love for mending and upcycling to the hospice’s Gosforth shop, where she’s been transforming slightly damaged donations into stunning, wearable art.

From reworked jeans to upcycled blouses, Viv’s creations prove that no piece of clothing is beyond saving. Her passion for reducing waste has inspired everyone at the shop, showing how second-hand fashion can be both stylish and sustainable.  

Glass Onion Vintage, a popular second-hand retailer, has teamed up with Barnsley Hospice to launch the ‘Recycle With Us’ initiative.

Customers can donate their old clothes at Glass Onion’s Sheffield store and receive a £5 voucher in return. All donations will go to Barnsley Hospice’s retail hub, where they’ll be sold to support the hospice’s vital care services.  

Martine Tune, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Nurse at Barnsley Hospice said: Launching the ‘Recycle With Us’ partnership is a really exciting moment for us, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone at Glass Onion Vintage for choosing to support us in this way.”

Well done to Glass Onion for blending sustainability and community spirit, giving people a fun and easy way to recycle while helping a great cause! 

Heart of Kent Hospice has opened a brand-new pre-loved outlet, offering bargain-hunters an eco-friendly way to refresh their wardrobes while supporting an important cause.

Located in Coxheath, the shop is packed with second-hand gems, including clothing, homeware, and furniture. Not only can shoppers find incredible deals, but every purchase helps fund the hospice’s care services. With free parking and a friendly community vibe, this outlet is making sustainable shopping more fun and more affordable than ever! 

By embracing second-hand fashion, upcycling initiatives, and recycling programs, hospices across the UK are transforming the way we think about clothing.  

With hospices leading the charge, charity shops are not only redefining fashion but also helping to build a more sustainable, responsible future – one donation at a time.