Spotlight Interview- Gobaith Clothing
Linda tells us about Gobaith Clothing Project and their work to get sustainable, suitable clothing to those experiencing financial difficulty in South Wales through their motto of Hope and Dignity.
Tell us about your business and why it started?
Gobaith clothing was set up last April, as a project from the Presbyterian church of Wales who have been historically at the forefront of social action in Wales. We’ve been on a bit of a journey and it’s taken time to buy equipment, sort and process and build stock as well as network with agencies and clients across communities.
It is now ready to launch and ready to take referrals and get clothing packages to families and individuals.
What is your vision?
Our vision is ensuring that Gobaith can be accessed by those most in need in our South Wales communities. Sometimes we may face tough times, adversity, and crisis or just may need a helping hand when finances won't stretch far enough, particularly in a cost-of-living crisis.
Our motto is ‘Hope and Dignity’, we want to support people and reassure them that there is Hope and brighter days ahead, whilst ensuring that we respect people’ dignity through their choice of clothing that provides them with their identity and participation as well as practically against all-weather elements.
We believe that Suitable clothing is a basic and universal human right. By reusing good quality, pre-loved clothing we reduce the carbon footprint by 30% per item. Thats a lot, as the clothing industry is the number one contributor to environmental degradation. Clothing sustainability is good for our pocket and the environment.
What ways do you support individuals and Families?
We offer free of charge clothes for people experiencing financial difficulties. We can offer clothes to men, women and children, usually one referral per term. We will do this by pop up shops in community centres or partner churches, where people will be free to choose clothes for themselves and can try them on too, just like you would in any high street shop.
What are you excited for in 2025? Will you be bringing any new projects to life?
We want to grow our work, so more people can access our project within the next 12 months. We need more partners, donations and volunteers to do this though. We want to be in the towns and villages for the families and individuals of our South Wales communities.
How can people access your services and how can others get involved?
You can get in touch through our social media platforms of Facebook, Instagram or go on our website Gobaithclothing.org. We would really love to provide volunteer opportunities through our work too. We are also in need of good, quality clothing donations to redistribute to our Gobaith Customers. As well as donating new underwear and socks for women, men and children as we cannot give out second hand for hygiene reasons.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our community?
I am a single parent of four children myself, so I know first-hand how difficult it is to feed and clothe growing children as well as keep on top of the bills. Gobaith will be happy to help you out with your clothing needs, so please reach out.
Where can we find you online?
Website: www.Gobaithclothing.org
Socials: Insta: gobaithclothing_project, Facebook: gobaith clothing
Email: Gobaithclothing@gmail.com