Cat’s Wardrobe relaunched to support care-experienced young people in Tameside

Care-experienced young people across Tameside are being offered access to free, good-quality clothing through the relaunch of Cat’s Wardrobe, a sustainable initiative designed to boost confidence and wellbeing.

The project was officially relaunched on 18 March at the People Place in Tameside One, bringing together staff, supporters and young people to celebrate the impact the Wardrobe has already had, while encouraging others to make use of the service.

Coordinated by Tameside Council as part of Children’s Services’ refreshed Community Parent Strategy, Cat’s Wardrobe supports care-experienced young people aged 16 to 21. The scheme provides access to a wide range of free clothing, helping individuals express themselves while improving self-esteem. It also offers volunteering opportunities, giving participants valuable experience to support future employment.

Originally launched last year as the Wardrobe Project, the initiative has been renamed in honour of Cat, a passionate advocate for care-experienced young people. Cat played a key role in shaping and promoting the project, using her communications skills to bring the idea to life. She organised photography, wrote the original promotional piece and continued to champion the Wardrobe by encouraging donations and raising awareness.

Her dedication ensured that care-experienced young people knew support was available, and her legacy continues to drive the project forward.

Based at Ashton Old Library, Cat’s Wardrobe promotes a sustainable cycle of giving. Young people can take home up to five items of clothing per visit and are encouraged to donate items in return if they are able. The scheme also allows visitors to trade their own second-hand clothing for something new, helping to create a sense of community and shared support.

The Wardrobe is designed as a welcoming, safe and judgement-free space where young people can browse a variety of styles without stigma. Access is arranged through a personal advisor from the Leaving Care Team, a social worker, or by completing an online referral form.

The project is also appealing to the local community for donations of good-quality, age-appropriate clothing, particularly casualwear such as hoodies and jumpers, as well as more items for young men. Donations can be dropped off at the People Place, Ashton Library, Tameside One (OL6 6BH), on the first Tuesday of every month between 2pm and 4pm.

One young person who has benefitted from the scheme said: “This project is really helpful because I donated some clothes that I got given out of desperation because I didn’t have anything and then I was able to pick some clothes that fit my style and express myself more.

“I think this is a really good idea because it gave me more of an idea of clothes that I actually liked and it has a good sense of community.

“I enjoy helping and my time is shown to be valued and appreciated.”

Councillor Teresa Smith, Executive Member for Children and Families, praised the initiative. She said: “Cat’s Wardrobe is a fantastic example of how we can support our care-experienced young people with dignity, choice and compassion. Having access to good-quality clothing can make a real difference to confidence and wellbeing.

“I’m incredibly proud of the dedication from everyone who has brought this initiative to life and is continuing Cat’s legacy. I encourage our community to get involved, whether by donating clothing or spreading the word to those who may benefit.

“Give your clothes a second life and help a young person start their own.”