Passion for fashion puts project for jobless in line for an award

Passion 4 Fashion, co-ordinated by Leeds Federated Housing with seven other social landlords and other organisations, has been shortlised for an award.

It aimed to help unemployed tenants manage their budgets and access employment and training opportunities and gave 55 people the opportunity to come up with their own designs using old and unwanted clothing.

“This was a really fun way for people to learn how to use a minimal budget to maximum effect,” said Sue Jennings, community development manager, at Leeds Federated.

“The outfits they created from limited materials were just inspired and the project had real benefits in putting people on the right track with their finances.”

The MoneyActionNet awards reward work that has helped social housing tenants improve their money management skills. The winners will be announced in January.

Those who took part were given £25 and, with help from tutors, found materials and learned new skills in design, sewing and customizing clothing.

They were then given a catwalk masterclass and modelled their creations in a fashion show watched by 850 people at Leeds Town Hall.