Portal Centre for Social Impact, Making for Change, and ReFAB Studio bring upcycling workshops to HMP Downview
- Written byLondon College of Fashion
- Published date 24 September 2025
Share story
Turning textile waste into opportunity, the Portal Centre for Social Impact at London College of Fashion (LCF), UAL, connects students, designers and communities through positive, community-based projects. Recently, the Centre and Making for Change partnered with ReFAB Studio to run bag-making and upcycling workshops in a women’s prison. The project gave 10 women new skills, confidence and creative tools while tackling the huge issue of interior design textile waste.
“The collaboration worked well, as the women appreciated external visitors and their expertise. It was great to see the women’s enthusiasm for learning a new topic. It was a great experience that worked well for everyone.” – Claire Swift, Director of Social Responsibility, London
About ReFAB studio
ReFAB Studio, part of the Kartik Foundation, supports disadvantaged youth and communities by transforming luxury interior fabrics into new products. The UK interior design industry sends an estimated 400,000 tonnes of textiles to landfill annually, an often-overlooked waste stream. Over the past 4 years, ReFAB Studio has salvaged 1,500 kg of designer fabrics and supported 250+ students and community tailors, particularly women from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“In just three days, each woman crafted a one-of-a-kind tote bag… In a place so often defined by hardship, they created beauty, joy and hope.” – Rewati Prabhu, Founder, ReFAB Studio
“It was incredibly inspiring to see their dedication to learning… This training model has a significant positive impact on a prisoner’s mental wellbeing, self-confidence and sense of purpose.” – Cordelia Blair-Stickland, Head of Design, ReFAB Studio
Designing the workshops
Together, the Portal Centre, ReFAB Studio and Making for Change co-designed upcycling and bag-making workshops. Sienna Wildman, a second-year BA (Hons) Fashion Design Technology: Womenswear student, joined the project during her placement with the Portal Centre.
Over several weeks, 10 women participated in sessions introducing:
- Circular economy principles
- Pattern cutting and sewing techniques
- Interior textile waste issues
- Design development
The workshops formed part of an accredited Level 2 learning programme, ensuring participants left not only with new creative skills but also with recognised qualifications that can support future education or employment.
Beyond bag making
These sessions went far beyond simply sewing bags. They created a supportive environment where the women could step away from the pressures of prison life and immerse themselves in a constructive, hands-on activity. Each step of the process helped build confidence, as they gained new technical skills and experienced the satisfaction of making something tangible and useful. Working with rescued designer fabrics introduced them to the principles of circular design, showing how discarded materials can be transformed into something valuable and beautiful. At the same time, the workshops wove in employability and entrepreneurial skills, helping participants understand sustainable fashion markets, transferable production techniques and pathways to income generation after release.
Outcomes and impact
This initiative demonstrated how creative, skills-based programmes within prison settings can support rehabilitation by offering an alternative narrative; one based on achievement, teamwork and positive identity. Alongside practical sewing and design skills, the women developed soft skills such as problem-solving, communication and perseverance, which are essential for building futures in work, education or entrepreneurship.
Participant feedback reflects this transformation:
“The staff were all friendly and knowledgeable, and each had their own strengths to bring to the session.”
“It has made [me] want to use more waste fabrics. I have really enjoyed this workshop; I feel more confident with different fabrics.”
Looking ahead
The project highlights the transformative power of creativity and by blending sustainability, skills development and community, it enhances pride and confidence while opening pathways for future opportunities.
The women left the workshops with a new appreciation for their own abilities and a sense that creativity can be a tool for personal transformation. Building on this success, the Portal Centre for Social Impact, ReFAB Studio and Making for Change are exploring further opportunities to deliver creative education in custodial settings, continuing to demonstrate how the arts and sustainable design can drive social impact and long-term change.
- Read more LCF Stories
- Follow Making for Change on Instagram @making.for.change
- Find out more about the Portal Centre for Social Impact
