Uncategorised

Dressability is pleased to be teaming up with DEBRA, the Butterfly Skin Charity, for a joint fundraising event taking place on Friday 12th June at The Con Club, 20 Bath Road, Swindon, SN1 4BA.

The evening will be a celebration of 70s and 80s music in the form of a bingo night, with doors opening at 7.30pm for an 8.00pm start. Tickets are priced at £12 per person and include games and food. There will also be a raffle on the night with prizes to be won.

Guests are welcome to come dressed in 70s or 80s style if they wish, though fancy dress is entirely optional.

Spaces are limited and tickets must be purchased in advance, so early booking is strongly recommended.

To book your place, please contact Claire on 07866 936680.

All funds raised on the night will go directly towards supporting the work of both Dressability and DEBRA.

We hope to see plenty of familiar and new faces there.

On the 27th of April 2025, local hero James Doran completed the London Marathon in order to raise funds for Dressability, after just one year of running. Not only did James achieve a fantastic time of 3:54:37, he also did it in the beating sun. Many involved with Dressability followed his progress with pride, always on the look out out for number 58681!

The extent of sacrifice James has made, training in all weather conditions, is remarkable, as well as his courage to continue after accidently being knocked down within the first 5km. It is as a result of James’ efforts, that he has managed to raise nearly £1,000.

All funds raised from James’ run will enable us to keep on helping those who utilise our service, providing support to clients within our local community as well as nationally through our postal service. Our service transforms everyday clothes into something truly life-changing for people with disabilities and limited dexterity, helping them dress with comfort, independence, and pride.

As a thank you, we presented James with a little gift to acknowledge his efforts and accomplishment. On behalf of everyone at Dressability, thank you James, forever a friend of Dressability.

Dressability are looking for an experienced Seamstress with Management experience to lead the team of highly skilled Dressmakers.

The Service Delivery Manager will help build upon the 25 years of work Dressability has completed in the local community, altering and adapting clothing for people of all ages with learning and physical disabilities, and those with limited dexterity.

The successful candidate will share our passion for ensuring that people with disabilities and limited dexterity are able to dress independently wearing clothing of their choice. They will possess excellent sewing skills, proven management skills and the enthusiasm to motivate and lead our service delivery sewing team.

DELIVERING SERVICE QUALITY

· Provide line management to a small team of dressmakers including training, monitoring standards, performance, the prioritisation of workloads, and conducting meetings with staff and volunteers as necessary

· Motivate and inspire our volunteers evaluating new projects and ways of working

· Developing ideas, initiating projects and ensuring quality standards are met. Providing training to dressmaking trainees as and when needed.

· Develop standards and maintain the quality of the services Dressability provides

· Regularly monitor and evaluate the service to ensure quality and technical standards are met

· Establish new services for clients where appropriate such as outreach projects and access to services in clinical settings

· First point of contact for clients and team members when issues arise

· Manage health and safety on the premises as well as adherence to all policies and procedures. Named first aider.

· Identify success stories to enable case studies to be written and funding secured.

· Give external presentations showcasing Dressability’s work in order to increase our reach.

· Liaise with Income Manager to ensure smooth day to day running of the charity.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: £37,050.00 per year (Pro Rata)

Expected hours: 18 – 24 per week

Schedule: Monday to Friday

Experience: Managing staff: 3 years (required)

Work Location: In person

If you’d like to know more about this role or would like to arrange a chat, please email 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐛𝐬@𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲.𝐨𝐫𝐠.𝐮𝐤

Dressability have begun their search for a new Head of Income Generation to lead their fundraising, administration and community engagement areas.

We are looking for an experienced and inspirational Head of Income / Business Manager who will help build upon the 25 years of work Dressability has completed in the local community, altering and adapting clothing for people of all ages with learning and physical disabilities, and those with limited dexterity.

This newly created role will report directly to the Board of Trustees, and involve all the financial aspects of running a successful charity

Key elements of the role include strategy and business management, proven fundraising ability and staff management and a knowledge of Management Accounts & Payroll. (negotiable)

Dressability is at a key point in its journey, and the Head of Income will have an opportunity to build on our success and shape the future.

If you’re passionate about making a difference for those with disabilities, have previous charity experience, and feel you have the right skills for our Charity, then please get in touch.

Key Responsibilities

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

· Working with the Board of Trustees to develop, co-ordinate, and action the Charity’s strategy and business plan. Setting objectives and managing the challenges and conflicting priorities to ensure the viable running of the services we provide

· Ensure the Charity operates in accordance with the Charity Governance Code, its policies and procedures as well as best practices in order to fulfil all legal, statutory and regulatory responsibilities

· Submitting accurate updates, annual returns and other necessary documents to the Charity Commission and Companies House

· Provide regular reports to the Board of Trustees, detailing operational performance, fundraising outcomes, and strategic initiatives

FUNDRAISING AND BUDGET MANAGEMENT

· Develop and execute fundraising strategies to support the organisation’s mission and growth objectives in conjunction with the Grants & Trusts Fundraiser

· Research, prepare and submit funding applications to include Lottery bids.

· Source diverse income streams and funding to ensure long-term financial stability

· Handle the day-to-day finances of the organisation, managing bank accounts and investments and liaising with accountants and auditors

· Monitoring our income and expenditure against targets as laid out in the business plan

· Work with the Board of Trustees to set annual budgets and monitor spending

· Give external presentations showcasing Dressability’s work in order to secure funding

OFFICE MANAGEMENT

· Provide Line Management to a small team of admin employees ensuring efficient operations including monitoring standards and performance and the prioritisation of workloads

· Prepare monthly management accounts & reports for board meetings

· Manage health and safety on the premises as well as adherence to all policies and procedures. Named first Aider.

· Co-ordinate on-site events relating to funding including campaigns, meetings, press briefings, hosting visitors etc

· Liaise with Service Delivery Manager to ensure smooth day to day running of the charity.

· Manage social media & website to increase our reach

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: £39,000.00 per year (Pro Rata)

Expected hours: 18 – 24 per week

Schedule: Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

If you’d like to know more about this role or would like to arrange a chat, please email 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐛𝐬@𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲.𝐨𝐫𝐠.𝐮𝐤

Dressability have been busy making gowns for radiotherapy patients for the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust.

These gowns were well received by the team at Maidstone Hospital who provided some great feedback.

“The quality of the gowns is outstanding and we genuinely appreciate the time, effort and care that has gone into making each one. These will make a real difference to our patients, offering them comfort and dignity during their treatment”.

As with all good causes, we were so pleased to help and hear how our work makes such a difference to those in need.

Dressability teamed up with our good friends at Swindon Lions Club in order to provide debranded coats to the homeless.

The coats were delivered to BOSH (Bristol Outreach Services for the Homeless) by Andi of Swindon Lions. These could then be distributed quickly to those who need them most.

Debranding the coats prevents them from being sold on and encourages their continued use.

We love working on projects such as this to ensure we are working sustainably and responsibly.