Supporting CREST To Bring Women Together Through Friendship, Creativity And New Opportunities

From learning to sew their own clothes to sharing stories over a cup of tea, women from different backgrounds and cultures are coming together in South Tyneside to learn new skills, make friends and build their confidence.

CREST is a South Shields-based charity that has been supporting local communities for more than 20 years, helping people overcome barriers, access opportunities and feel more connected.

With funding from the Reece Family Trust, the charity is continuing to provide activities designed to reduce social isolation, improve wellbeing and give women opportunities to develop skills that could lead to further education, volunteering or employment.

One of the most popular is CREST’s weekly sewing class, which brings together around 15 women every Friday morning.

Under the guidance of an experienced tutor, participants learn everything from following patterns and cutting fabric to creating their own clothes and accessories. Recent projects have included shirts, trousers, cushions and even a complete suit, with some participants also giving old fabrics a new lease of life through upcycling.

Hoda Darawsha, Operations Manager at CREST, explains:

“The sewing classes bring women together from all sorts of different backgrounds. We have women from Ukraine, Africa, Bangladesh and Arab communities, and they all come together to learn, share their experiences and support one another.

“It’s about much more than sewing. They’re making friendships, improving their English and building their confidence. Some of the women have been quite isolated, so having somewhere they can come every week, meet other people and feel part of a group is incredibly important.”

For one recently retired participant, the classes have rekindled skills she hadn’t used since her teens, when she would make her own clothes because money was tight. Now, she looks forward to Friday mornings and has created everything from trousers and tops to cushions and accessories.

The Reece Family Trust’s funding is helping CREST cover the practical costs of delivering activities including professional tutors, materials, transport and volunteering opportunities, as well as supporting wider opportunities for women to learn, socialise and improve their wellbeing.

Alongside sewing, CREST delivers English language classes, including a dedicated women-only programme providing a safe and supportive environment for those who may face barriers to accessing education. Delivered in partnership with another local women’s organisation, childcare is also provided so more women can take part.

Hoda said:

“A lot of funding is available for accredited qualifications, but we know that isn’t always what people need. Sometimes people need to build their confidence first, practise everyday conversations and develop skills that will help them in their daily lives.

“These community-based courses are so important, but finding funding for them can be difficult. The support from the Reece Family Trust has come at exactly the right time and means we can continue providing these opportunities.”

CREST also offers activities including Tea and Talk sessions, gardening, arts and crafts, self-care and group walks, creating relaxed opportunities for women to spend time together and try something new.

On one recent outing, a woman who had lived in the UK for more than 20 years revealed that she had never tried fish and chips. The group decided to put that right, enjoying a meal together while chatting about British traditions and sharing experiences from their own cultures.

Through its funding for CREST, the Reece Family Trust is helping more women connect, learn new skills and build confidence, while creating friendships across cultures and communities.

To find out more about CREST and its work across South Tyneside, visit https://www.crest.uk.com/