In a previous blog, I mentioned that Monday, 12th May, marked the beginning of Mental Health Awareness Week, with this year's theme being "Power in Community."
When we think of community, the first thing that often comes to mind is our place of residence. On Monday, I was honoured to moderate the Awareness to Action Day. It was a privilege to witness first hand the incredible impact of one such community: the Inside Out Clothing Project. This initiative is the UK’s first clothing brand created and designed by young individuals with lived experience emerging from the justice system. Their lives are being transformed in meaningful ways. Not only do they impact their community, fostering a sense of camaraderie, but they also touched the lives of everyone present, including myself, on Monday. We were all eager to learn more about this inspiring group of young people.
The afternoon was transformative, and I am incredibly grateful to Rebeca Lewis, CEO of Inside Out Clothing Project, for inviting me to moderate Monday’s event. I am also grateful to Rebeca for leading the shaping and programming of the event, which led to its success.
I was not only delighted to moderate the panel discussion, but I was also moved as I met and spoke with the young designers. They openly shared their stories with me, illustrating how the project has profoundly affected their lives. Some of them expressed how this initiative has given them a second chance to turn their lives around. Their positivity, confidence and the joy in which they articulated so well, the meaning behind their individual designs left me wanting to support in some way.
When I hear of grassroots initiatives like this, that see potential, offer hope, encouragement and believe in the power to make a difference, I am wanting to hear more about the person(s) who were determined to make a change to a community of young lives. I was thrilled to speak with Greg McKenzie, Founder of Inside Out Clothing Project. I will be speaking more in-depth with Greg at a later date, so I’m not going to say too much here other than Greg shared with me, the idea came to him whilst making a documentary on an estate and he is quoted as saying, “Some young offenders don’t get a second chance, some don’t even get a first chance. We want to give them that chance.”
Every project needs funding, and it’s finding the right funder who believes in the vision. And this is where Rob Pierre, Co-Director, comes in. It was a pleasure to ask Rob, who was one of the panellists, some questions about his involvement and why he was willing to invest in the project. He has been quoted saying, “It’s everything I hoped it would be. The pride they have, as they walk me around the store to show me their designs, is incredible.”
In closing, I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone involved in the event for your generous hospitality and unwavering commitment to community empowerment. I encourage you to visit the Inside Out website and support a worthwhile cause by purchasing an item of clothing from this community of inspirational designers. I’ve already done so today. Here’s the link: https://www.insideoutpjt.com
