Our Vision

To provide a service for anyone who is having difficulties

with dressing themselves or has special clothing needs,

their families and carers living inSwindon, North and West Wiltshire.

Our Work

We offer

clothing advice and information garment alterations and adaptations dressmaking and design

It is likely to be of particular relevance to older people and to children and adults with disabilities.Providing an accessible, specialist alteration, dressmaking and design service we enable continued independence, social inclusion and dignity.

Who is the service for?

Key Achievements

In 2000/2001, we were able to provide advice to, alter or make clothes for 138 individuals. By 2002/2003 this had increased to 220.

With a gradual raising of our profile, 48 organisations contacted us in 2002/2003 for information – more than double the number for 2000/2001.

Social Exclusion

Clothing can denote •Status•Gender•Occupation•Individuality

Society judges people by the way they look. Those with an unconventional appearance are often patronised, undervalued or ignored.

“I've a right to dress up like anybody else. My self-image has improved

dramatically because of the clothes Dressability has adapted for me. It's about dignity. I feel on equal terms

with others around me.”(Dressability Client)

Glamorous Granny Cynthia asked us to

adapt some ‘old favourites’ from her

collection of evening-wear. She has always

had a passion for dancing and loves to

look stylish and feminine.

Talks for community groups

• We are happy to provide speakers for community groups wishing to know more about what we can offer.

• Call us on 01793 485374 to find out more or book a speaker.

What does it cost?

As we are a voluntary sector organisation, we make only a small charge.

For example, taking up a hem might cost from £3.50 depending on the garment.

Free Home Visits!

Dressability will visit you in your own home. If we alter or make something for you, we will collect and deliver at no extra cost.

Help for Carers

Dressability offers a practical service that can make a real difference to the stress carers often experience in coping with difficulties in dressing or undressing the person they care for.

Are the buttons on your favourite jacket becoming a problem?

Dressability can adapt your garment to fasten invisibly with Velcro, so that you look as smart as ever.

Do you have a long dress that you love but have stopped wearing because you are worried about tripping over it?

Dressability can take up the hem for you.

Do you have a condition like osteoporosis or diabetes that means it is difficult to find clothes that fit?

Dressability can design and make clothes to meet your needs or adapt those you already have.

Have you lost or gained weight, resulting in clothes that don’t fit properly anymore?

Dressability may be able to alter them for you, saving you the cost of replacing them.

Bespoke ItemsWe have produced a range of neck-aprons and protective panels for children and adults who have difficulty swallowing saliva. These items

combine practicality with style

use patterns to disguise dampness

absorb and retain moisture, keeping wearer and clothing dry

Child’s sweat-shirt with absorbent panel

VOLUNTEERS

We are always looking for volunteers. If you are

willing to help, please call 01793 785374

“Don’t just think about it, get in touch and see what

Dressability can do!”(Dressability Client)

You can contact us on

01793 485374

In 2001, there were 25,000 people aged over 65 in the Swindon Unitary Authority - nearly 14% of the total population.

Older People

The number of people over 75 in Swindon is expected to rise by 20% between 1999 and 2007.

02000400060008000

100001200014000

1991 1999 2007

Projected Population Change- Over 75s in Swindon

The Ageing Population . . .

QUEENS TELEGRAMSIn 1952 the queen sent out 273 birthday telegrams to centenarians. Now that figure is over 3000 per year.

The 2001 census showed that, for the first time, there are now more people over 60 than there are children.

Disability in the UK

6.7 million people of working age are disabled. (Labour Force Survey 2001)

8% of adults reported having difficulties with getting around their home and/or going out of doors and walking down the road. (General Household Survey – Living in Britain 2001)

Carers in Britain In Britain, an estimated 5.7 million people are carers. This is 1 in 10 of the population.

Of these: 1 in 4 have been providing care

for 10 years or more. 8% look after more than one

person. Around 1 million are over the

age of 65.

www.dressability.org

Dressability Web Site

DressabilityPinehurst People’s Centre

Beech AvenueSwindon SN2 1JT

Tel: 01793 785374Registered Charity No 1082779 • Registered Company No 4777289 • Affiliated to Scope