PEARL Initiative CIC X Fashion Hub Sewing Workshop

PEARL Initiative CIC is a not-for-profit, community-led organisation established in Leicester in July 2025. The organisation was formed to address gaps in access to mental health support, wellbeing services, skills development, and inclusive community opportunities. Its work particularly focuses on Black and ethnically diverse communities, who are often underrepresented within mainstream provision.

PEARL Initiative CIC approached the Fashion Hub Leicester to support their participants through a collaborative workshop. Their main aim was to deliver a wellbeing-focused session that would also introduce participants to employability pathways, including the courses the Fashion Hub offers in mental health and skills development.

The successful workshop took place on 7th January 2026 and was attended by 10 participants over a three-hour session. Participants gained hands-on experience using industrial sewing machines, learned basic pattern-making, and created a range of items including hairbands, scrunchies, and wallets. It was inspiring to see the participants leave feeling proud of what they had achieved in such a short time. Their enthusiasm and engagement throughout the session were excellent.

Many participants expressed a strong interest in enrolling on further courses. However, due to eligibility criteria mismatches, the Fashion Hub team were unable to offer free courses to all attendees. Despite this, the Fashion Hub has agreed to continue to provide as much support as possible.

Several participants shared aspirations of entering the fashion industry and starting their own brands. The team is equipped to support these individuals through ATMF to help them develop and launch their businesses.

Philomena, Founder of PEARL Initiative CIC, is currently exploring funding opportunities to support these learners further and is actively reaching out to identify funding options that would enable continued access to training for their participants.

Fashion Hub / FTA Technical Manager, Jo Bean commented: “We are always open to working with different communities, and this cohort was truly amazing. Their eagerness and enthusiasm to learn were evident throughout the workshop.”