Dressability

04/06/2026

One of the best things about volunteering is knowing that something you've created can make a difference to someone you've never met.

As part of Volunteers' Week, we're delighted to see these Play Packs, made and assembled by our volunteers, now being enjoyed by children at Great Western Hospital.

Thank you to Brighter Futures GWH for sharing this update, and to our volunteers whose time, creativity and care made it possible.

Children receiving care at the Great Western Hospital are set to benefit from a thoughtful and imaginative donation from local charity Dressability, whose volunteers have lovingly created a collection of handmade “Play Packs” to bring comfort, distraction and joy during hospital stays 🩷

Dressability has gifted beautifully crafted packs to the Children’s Ward, each one carefully assembled by volunteers and filled with engaging items designed to support play and wellbeing.

The packs include handmade fabric bags containing simple games such as noughts and crosses, alongside colourful, volunteer-sewn colouring kits complete with pencils and postcards.
In addition, each pack contains a selection of brand-new toys – including fidget spinners, pop-it sensory toys, puzzle blocks, bubble wands and Play-Doh – generously funded by a supporter of Dressability.

The packs showcase the creativity and care of Dressability’s volunteer team, with each element thoughtfully designed and made to create a positive experience for young patients. The vibrant fabrics, interactive games and sensory items aim to provide comfort, reduce anxiety and help pass the time during what can often be a difficult experience for children and their families.

A huge thank you to Dressability & their volunteers for their donation. These packs will make a huge difference to our younger patients.

03/06/2026

Volunteers make so much of what we do possible.

Sian's story is a wonderful example of the impact that dedicated volunteers can have, not only through their skills, but through the time, care and friendship they bring to our charity.

Read more about Sian's 10 years with Dressability below.

Sian has spent the last 10 years volunteering with Dressability, helping support people across Swindon through her love of sewing.

Dressability is a local charity providing clothing alterations and adaptations for people with disabilities, those in later life, and anyone struggling with everyday clothing challenges.

After discovering the charity through a volunteering page, Sian got involved as a sewist and has since supported a range of community projects, including Christmas sacks for children at the women’s refuge, dressing-up clothes for children with special needs and drainage bags for mastectomy patients.

Speaking about volunteering, Sian said: “My mornings at Dressability are time for sewing, but also laughter, chatter, sharing ideas and friendship.”

Dressability is currently looking for experienced sewists to join its volunteer team, either at its Westmead office or supporting projects from home. To find out more, contact Tia Shortall at [email protected] or call 01793 512878 ❤️

31/05/2026

Not Long to Go Now!

Our joint Music Bingo Night with DEBRA, the Butterfly Skin Charity, is fast approaching and we're looking forward to what promises to be a great evening.

If you've not booked your tickets yet, now is the perfect time. Join us for a night of 70s and 80s music, good food, great company and plenty of chances to win.

Friday 12th June
The Con Club, 20 Bath Road, Swindon, SN1 4BA
Doors open at 7.30pm for an 8.00pm start
£12 per person, including games and food

There will also be a raffle on the night with some fantastic prizes.

If you'd like to embrace the theme, feel free to come dressed in your favourite 70s or 80s outfit, but there is absolutely no pressure.

Tickets must be purchased in advance and spaces are limited, so please book early to avoid disappointment.

To reserve your place, contact Claire on 07866 936680.

All funds raised will support the work of both Dressability and DEBRA, helping us continue supporting the people who rely on our services.

29/05/2026

Supporting Stroke Recovery in the Community ❤️

Recently, Corinna and Nicky attended the Stroke Awareness Event at the Link Centre, organised by the Healthwise Programme as part of Stroke Awareness Month.

The event brought together a wide range of local organisations and support services, all focused on helping people recovering from stroke with daily living, wellbeing and staying active within the community.

During the event, Nicky and Corinna also caught up with Cat from Home Instead, who Nicky has known for many years. Home Instead previously supported Nicky and her husband following his stroke, making it especially meaningful to reconnect and network together at the event.

Throughout the afternoon, visitors were able to access information stands, practical advice, refreshments and a drop-in education session focused on physical activity and improving day-to-day living after stroke.

It was a fantastic opportunity to meet local people, connect with other organisations and raise awareness of the support available across Swindon for those affected by stroke.

Thank you to the Healthwise team for inviting Dressability along to be part of such an important community event.

If you or someone you know could benefit from our adapted clothing service, please get in touch with Dressability on 01793 512878 or email [email protected] to find out more.

20/05/2026

𝐒𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐲𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 💗

A huge thank you to the wonderful members of Poppyquilters for their kind donation of £350 to Dressability following the recent Poppyquilters Day in Royal Wootton Bassett.

Our vice chair, Nicky, recently visited the group at Gorse Hill Community Centre to collect the cheque from Ros Raymond, Treasurer of Poppyquilters and personally thank everyone for their support and generosity.

As always, Nicky was made to feel incredibly welcome by such a friendly and supportive group.

Support like this really does help us continue providing adapted clothing services to people who need them most, so we are extremely grateful.

Thank you again to everyone involved.

19/05/2026

Come and See Us at the Link Centre ♥

Dressability will be attending the Stroke Awareness Event at the Link Centre in Swindon on Thursday 21st May from 12pm to 2pm.

The event is aimed at showcasing the support, services and activities available locally for stroke survivors and their families.

Following a stroke, everyday tasks such as getting dressed can sometimes become more difficult due to changes in mobility, strength or dexterity. At Dressability, we support people with clothing adaptations designed to make dressing easier, more comfortable and more independent, while still helping people feel confident in what they wear.

Come and say hello to Nicky and Corinna, who will be there throughout the event to chat about the support Dressability provides and answer any questions.

We’d love to see you there, so please do come over and say hello if you’re attending.

13/05/2026

Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 💚

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, led by the Mental Health Foundation, with this year’s theme focused on taking action to support mental wellbeing.

Tomorrow, on Thursday 14 May, people across the UK are being encouraged to wear something green for “Wear It Green Day”, helping to raise awareness and encourage conversations around mental health.

What we wear can have a real impact on how we feel - comfort, confidence and the ability to express ourselves all play an important part in wellbeing. At Dressability, we see every day how the right clothing adaptations can help people feel more comfortable, more independent, and more like themselves.

Sometimes even small actions, conversations and gestures of support can make a difference.

If you feel you need a little extra support, helpful information and someone to talk to can be found at mind.org.uk or samaritans.org.

12/05/2026

Just one month to go!

Dressability are really excited to be teaming up with DEBRA, the Butterfly Skin Charity, for a joint fundraising night of 70s and 80s Music Bingo.

Friday 12th June
The Con Club, 20 Bath Road, Swindon, SN1 4BA
Doors open at 7.30 for 8.00pm Start
£12 per person, including games and food

There will also be a raffle on the night with some great prizes.

If you fancy dressing up in 70s or 80s style, please do, but there is absolutely no pressure. Come as you are!

Spaces are limited and tickets must be purchased in advance, so we would encourage you to book early.

To get your tickets, please contact Claire on 07866 936680.

All funds raised on the night will go towards supporting the work of both charities. We hope to see you there!

05/05/2026

Ever wondered what Dressability is all about?

Recently, our General Manager Sharon Tombs joined Sue Davies on BBC Radio Wiltshire to talk about the work we do, who we support, and why clothing adaptations can make such a difference to everyday life.

If you’d like to have a listen, you can find the interview 52 minutes and 20 seconds into the programme from 29/04/2026.

You can listen via the BBC Sounds app or online here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002vcsh

Please note, you’ll need to sign in to access the recording.

It’s a great opportunity to hear more about the charity in Sharon’s own words.

Sue brings you topical conversation, mid-morning updates and Bring Out The Band.

27/04/2026

What an achievement 🎉

A huge congratulations to David Warren and Julie Viret for completing the London Marathon yesterday in support of Dressability.

Taking on 26.2 miles is no small challenge, and we are incredibly grateful that they chose to do it for us. The time, effort and commitment that goes into something like this doesn’t go unnoticed.

Thanks to their hard work and everyone who has supported them along the way. We really enjoyed following their progress on the app and we hope you did too! They have helped raise vital funds that allow us to continue supporting people with clothing adaptations that make everyday life easier.

David and Julie, we are so proud of you both and thankful to have you as a friend of Dressability.