ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE’S MP Angela Rayner has seen first-hand the impact the Cat’s Wardrobe project is having on care-experienced young people in her constituency.
Named after an inspirational young woman from Tameside who grew up in care, the scheme offers free, good-quality clothing to young people aged 16 to 25, helping boost confidence while promoting sustainability.
It comes from her knowledge of the barriers to success faced by those who were in her situation, and she was passionate about dismantling them to help other young care leavers to get the best start in life.
And Ms Rayner was told how it has empowered young people and boosted their self-esteem.
She said: “It’s fantastic to see the work that’s going on and to meet the team and volunteers making sure 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.”
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.
Power2 is working with Tameside Council to continue Cat’s legacy by creating a dedicated space for Cat’s Wardrobe at its office on Warrington Street.
There it provides support for young people who are experiencing a range of barriers to engaging with school, learning and their futures.
Ms Rayner also signed the butterfly wall in Cat’s Wardrobe to write a message of hope in Cat’s memory.
Julie Randles, chief executive at Power2, said: “It was a pleasure to host Angela Rayner MP.
“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.
“About a fifth of the 1,200 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.”
Tameside Council’s executive member for children and families, Cllr Teresa Smith, added: “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.”
Care-experienced young people can speak to their personal advisor from the Leaving Care Team or their social worker, or self-refer.
Donations can be dropped off at the People Place at Ashton Library on the first Tuesday of every 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.
It is also looking for more male clothing.