Cat was an inspirational young woman from Tameside who grew up in care and had first-hand experience of the barriers to success faced by those who are care-experienced. She was passionate about dismantling these barriers and helping other young care leavers to get the best start in life.
She helped create a sustainable clothing project to support care-experienced young people aged 16-25; a place where donors can give their clothes a second life and help a young person to start their own.
The initiative empowers young people by offering access to free, quality clothing, including professional attire for interviews and work, that will boost self-esteem. The project also creates valuable employment experience through volunteering opportunities and encourages a cycle of giving, with some of the young people donating back into the project.
Sadly, Cat passed away unexpectedly last year. The project has now been renamed in her honour, and Power2 is working with Tameside Council to continue her legacy by creating a dedicated space for “Cat’s Wardrobe” at our office in Ashton-under-Lyne.
Angela Rayner MP was given a tour of Power2’s offices, where we provide support for young people who are experiencing a range of barriers to engaging with school, learning and their futures. She also signed the butterfly wall in Cat’s Wardrobe to write a message of hope in Cat’s memory.
Our team and colleagues from Tameside Council really appreciated the chance to discuss Cat’s Wardrobe with Angela Rayner MP.
Julie Randles, CEO at Power2, said: “It was a pleasure to host Angela Rayner MP today. She has been supportive of Power2’s work in Tameside for many years and has shown continued commitment to seeing the potential in all children and young people, no matter their background or challenges.
Around a fifth of the 1200 young people we work with every year are care-experienced, and we know that many of those feel forgotten about, left behind and disconnected from society. Community projects like Cat’s Wardrobe help support young people by giving them access to good-quality clothing, which in turn helps them feel confident, valued and better prepared for opportunities ahead.”
Angela Rayner MP said:
It’s fantastic to see the work that’s going on here and to meet the team and volunteers making sure that young people have opportunities to wear clothes that are appropriate for interviews, going out walking, or just enjoying daily life. It’s the simple things that really make the difference.
Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Children and Families, Cllr Teresa Smith, 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.”
Do you know a young person who would like to access the Wardrobe?
Care-experienced young people can speak to their personal advisor from the Leaving Care Team or their social worker, or self-refer by completing this form.
How you can support the project
Donations can be dropped off at the People Place (Ashton Library, Tameside One, OL6 6BH) every first Tuesday of the month from 2pm to 4pm.
The team is appealing for age-appropriate donations of good-quality clothing and accessories, especially casual wear like hoodies and jumpers. They are also looking for more male clothing.
