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Our trustee and vice chair, Nicky, recently visited SHAP, the Swindon Humanitarian Aid Partnership, based on Station Industrial Estate in Swindon, and came away genuinely inspired by the work they are doing.

At Dressability, we really believe in working alongside other organisations in our community so that, together, we can deliver more support to those who need it most. This is a great example of that in action.

Dressability has provided the debranded coats you can see in the photos. While Nicky was there, the team were already packing these ready for shipment to Ukraine, with more coats to follow.

SHAP is a voluntary run organisation, not a charity, supporting people in Ukraine and vulnerable Ukrainian refugees in Swindon and the surrounding areas. With support from partner organisations, they have delivered over 2,300 tonnes of aid, much of it to eastern Ukraine where the need is greatest.

They have also helped deliver over 2,100 hospital beds, mattresses, medical aid, wheelchairs and other vital equipment, supported by the NHS and care organisations. Aid is sent every 6 to 8 weeks, with local companies supplying vans to make this possible.

One of the most moving things Nicky saw was their comfort candle project. Volunteers recycle tins, make wicks from card, and melt down donated candles to create simple sources of heat, light and a way to warm food using just two bricks. A simple idea with a powerful impact.

Thank you to Carol, Volodymyr, Natalia and Viktoriya, pictured here, just a few of the 100 volunteers who give their time. Nicky was made so welcome, with coffee, Ukrainian nuts and local chocolates, while chatting with Carol, vice chair, and Natalia who does much of the networking with contacts in Ukraine.

An incredible organisation and a great reminder of how much stronger we are when we work together. If you are part of a group or organisation that feels there could be mutual benefit in partnering with Dressability, we would love to hear from you.

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Dressability are looking for professional trustees to join their team.

Based in Swindon, the charity offers bespoke clothing adaptations and alterations for the over 65’s, children and adults with disabilities, those with dexterity issues and other specific needs.

We are short of trustees and need to recruit, particularly those with business and/or finance experience. Based in Westmead, West Swindon, the Trustees generally meet once a month, with the time commitment being approx. two hours per month.

The charity benefits both the local community and has national reach via it’s postal service. By offering it’s services, Dressability aims to boost confidence, independence and self esteem by giving those in need the opportunity to wear the clothes they want to.

Anyone interested can get in touch by emailing sharontombs@dressability.org.uk

We are delighted to welcome Tia, our new Service Delivery Manager, as part of the Dressability Team for 2026.

Tia will play an important role in supporting our day to day operations, working closely with our team and volunteers, and helping ensure our clients continue to receive the practical, thoughtful support we are known for.

If you would like to access our service, Tia will be on hand to help guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have.

To get in touch, please email mail@dressability.org.uk or call 01793 512878.

Welcome to Dressability, Tia. We are so excited to have you on board!

Dressability was delighted to welcome the Mayor of Swindon, Cllr Fay Howard, to our workshop. The visit provided an opportunity to meet the team, learn more about our services and see first-hand how our work supports people both within the town and beyond.

With a background in nursing and public health, the Mayor has dedicated much of her career to supporting families and improving community wellbeing. The visit closely reflected that commitment. Particular interest was shown in our coat debranding project, where donated branded jackets are carefully restored and passed on to people experiencing homelessness. Examples of the clothing adaptations carried out each day to help people with disabilities dress with comfort and confidence were also shared.

The Mayor expressed how impressed she was by the skill and care involved in every task and welcomed the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the difference these services make. The visit also helped strengthen connections and raise awareness of what Dressability offers, and how other charities, organisations and residents in Swindon may be able to benefit.

Dressability would like to thank Cllr Fay Howard for taking the time to visit and for her support of our work. Her interest helps reinforce the important role the charity plays within the local community and highlights services that many people may not realise exist.

If you or someone you know could benefit from our adaptations or would like to learn more about our wider work, please get in touch.