A new community initiative, Emergence Restock, has launched a crowdfunding campaign on Spacehive to tackle the growing issue of textile waste while supporting local people in need.
Emergence Restock is a sustainable fashion social enterprise (Community Interest Company) that gives unwanted clothing a second life. The campaign’s coming soon page on Spacehive is inviting early pledges of any size. Once 50 pledges are secured, the campaign will unlock significant matched funding from local partners and grants to bring the project to life.
UK households throw away around 300,000 tonnes of clothing each year (businesswaste.co.uk), with much ending up in incineration or landfill (wrap.ngo). Emergence Restock aims to change this by collecting donated garments, repairing, upcycling and reselling them affordably, and passing unsold pieces directly to local charities. Partner organisations already set to benefit include Rasmachaz, The Door, Trinity Rooms, Euramus and Redz by RYSE, ensuring donations stay within Stroud’s community network.
“We started Emergence Restock to build a circular fashion hub for Stroud,” said Shalize Nicholas, founder of Emergence Restock. “Our goal is to bring people together – volunteers, tailors and families – to repair and refashion clothes. By reaching our first 50 pledges, we can secure the funding needed for a workshop space and equipment. Then we’ll run repair cafés, upcycling events and clothing swaps that benefit everyone.”
The campaign clearly outlines how funds will be spent: Workshop and hub: Renting a community space and covering essential utilities and insurance.
Equipment and materials: Sewing machines, tools, eco-friendly fabrics and sustainable packaging.
Community programmes: Repair workshops, clothing swaps and skills-based events.
Outreach and promotion: Printed guides, social media and local advertising to raise awareness.
Each pledge, however small, is vital. The first 50 pledges will unlock matched funding from partners, multiplying the impact of local support.
Stroud District Council has already highlighted the project within its Zero Waste Week communications, showing clear support for community-led sustainability. As Cllr Martin Pearcy, Chair of the Environment Committee, said:
“Textile waste is a growing issue, but it’s one we can all help tackle. Whether it’s repairing, recycling, or reusing, small changes really do add up. We’re proud to support Zero Waste Week and encourage everyone to make a pledge and take action.”
Supporters can back the project on Spacehive by clicking Back this project. There is no minimum donation – every pledge counts towards the crucial 50-pledge milestone. Once unlocked, funding will enable Emergence Restock to open its community workshop by early 2026.
Emergence Restock will reinvest all profits and stock into community programmes. By coming together now, Stroud residents and businesses can directly support greener living, skill-sharing and vital local charities.
