On Friday, 27th June 2025, HMP Leicester officially launched Bearing Gifts—a powerful new initiative that blends reparation, sustainability, and social impact from behind prison walls.
At its heart, Bearing Gifts empowers inmates to transform discarded textiles into beautifully handcrafted patchwork teddy bears. For every bear purchased, a twin is donated to a child in need, creating a poignant connection between prisoners and the wider community—one stitched with empathy and care.
The launch event brought together supporters, partners, and guests who heard directly from Paddy—the prisoner whose creativity and determination gave life to the idea. Attendees toured the prison workshop, where the bears are made, and met the team behind the project, including collaborators from Fashion-Enter Ltd (FEL) and its Fashion Technology Academy (FTA).
Thanks to expert training from FEL’s FTA, participating inmates earn industry-recognised qualifications—building valuable skills that can lead to employment or entrepreneurship upon release.
Behind the Scenes of the Stitching Academy
TJ Hussein, Head of Compliance at Fashion-Enter Ltd, shared his insight on the project’s development:
“Over the past few months, I’ve worked closely with the team at HMP Leicester to develop the Bearing Gifts Stitching Academy. Every machine installed meets the same high standards we uphold across all our FTA campuses.
“We’ve provided an abundance of fabrics and trims to ensure the programme can thrive from day one. The studio has been fully repainted, upgraded with new electrics, and laid out for maximum efficiency—creating a fresh, professional environment that inspires everyone involved.
“Good luck to all the participants. We’re proud to support such an innovative and meaningful programme.”
A Heartfelt Concept
Jenny Holloway, CEO of Fashion-Enter Ltd, recalled her first visit to HMP Leicester:
“When I met Helen Cox and then Paddy, I knew we had to bring Bearing Gifts to life. Paddy shared a beautiful tradition from the traveller community: ‘I half my heart for you’—an expression of love. He used that idea to create two bears, each with half a heart, so that loved ones separated by prison or hardship could feel connected.
“We’ve invested significant time developing the bears and training new instructors, and I’m confident that more variations will emerge. Paddy’s imagination is boundless, and I’m excited to see where he takes it next.
“A special thank you to Nick Campsie and the Tasso Foundation—this wouldn’t have been possible without their support.”
Support from the Tasso Foundation
Nick Campsie, representing the Tasso Foundation, praised the initiative:
“Patrick deserves immense credit for this idea, as do the staff at HMP Leicester. Bearing Gifts is a testament to how creativity and compassion can drive rehabilitation and inspire real change—both inside and beyond prison walls.”
Creative Collaboration and Community Impact
Beth Davy-Day, Creative Director at FEL, reflected on the launch:
“It’s been a privilege to witness Bearing Gifts grow from a simple concept into a fully equipped workshop. Paddy’s passion is contagious, and we’re excited to continue working with the inmates to help build their confidence and skills.”
(Jo Bean outside HMP Leicester on the day of the launch event)
Jo Bean, FTA Leicester tutor, added:
“Meeting Paddy and hearing the story behind the bears was incredibly moving. Each bear carries a detachable heart—allowing someone who’s separated from loved ones to share something meaningful until they’re reunited, or simply to give a child in need a symbol of comfort and care.”
To learn more about this transformative programme, visit: https://bearing-gifts.co.uk