Fashion Hub Leicester is pleased to be working in partnership with PEARL Initiative CIC, a community-led organisation supporting mental wellbeing, confidence building, and skills development for Black and ethnically diverse communities in Leicester.
As part of this collaboration, Fashion Hub Leicester will deliver a two-hour sewing and garment repair workshop on 7th January at the Fashion Hub / FCFTA Leicester. The session is designed to support PEARL Initiative participants by introducing practical sewing skills while opening pathways into employability and further skills development.
PEARL Initiative CIC was established in July 2025 to address gaps in access to mental health support, wellbeing services and inclusive community opportunities. Their work focuses on creating safe, structured spaces where participants can build confidence, develop practical skills, and strengthen social connections through creative and culturally sensitive approaches.
The sewing and repairs workshop has been developed in response to conversations between both organisations, including discussions held during PEARL Initiative’s Christmas community celebration. The session will provide hands-on learning in a supportive environment, encouraging participants to explore creative skills while gaining confidence that can support future training or employment opportunities.
Through this workshop, Fashion Hub Leicester also aims to introduce participants to wider employability pathways and learning opportunities available through the hub, helping bridge the gap between community engagement and skills progression.
PEARL Initiative CIC will manage participant recruitment and provide trained facilitators to support the session, operating within established safeguarding, health and safety, and equality frameworks. Fashion Hub Leicester will provide the space, equipment and specialist knowledge to ensure a positive and inclusive learning experience.
While no flyers were produced for this session, engagement has been driven through direct community relationships, reflecting the trust-based, grassroots approach shared by both organisations.
This partnership highlights the value of collaboration between creative industry hubs and community organisations in Leicester. By combining wellbeing-focused community work with practical creative skills, Fashion Hub Leicester and PEARL Initiative CIC are working together to reduce barriers to participation, support confidence-building, and create meaningful routes into employability.
Fashion Hub Leicester looks forward to continuing conversations with PEARL Initiative CIC and exploring further opportunities to support their community through creative skills, training and inclusive access to the fashion and textiles sector.