A Dundee community project which aims to build confidence in young parents has scooped a significant cash award.
The Kindred Clothing project was awarded £34,488 from the People’s Projects, which allowed the public to vote on how National Lottery money was allocated.
The project works with parents under 20-years old as they design and make clothes while their children play together. The hope is that this builds confidence in the parents, allows them to socialise and gives their children other youngsters to play with.
The grant will go towards new materials, machinery, toys and a play worker to supervise the children — allowing parents to concentrate on their creations. It is hoped people taking part could ultimately be officially accredited by Dundee and Angus College.
The project was the brainchild of Alice Stuart, mother of two-year old Lily.
Ms Stuart said: “I’m absolutely amazed we’ve won. It’s just fantastic and shows the support that the people of Dundee have given us.
“Now that we’ve got funding, we can drive ahead with our plans and ultimately get the girls the qualifications they deserve. Everyone has worked so hard and it’s just brilliant that it’s all paid off.
“Now it can all just get bigger and better — this is just the start.”
Kindred Clothing host sessions at Front Lounge’s Hilltown premises and hope to soon showcase events and organise visits to creative venues.
The weekly sessions, led by young parent volunteers, feature lessons in tailoring, knitting and quilting. There will also be a chance for parents to design their own fabric through screen-printing.
Chika Inatimi, project leader, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have won this funding. It’s a fantastic endorsement by the local community who came out in huge numbers to back us and we are extremely grateful for their support.
“All credit for the result must go to the young people themselves, who worked very hard throughout the campaigning period and really embraced the whole drive, from posting furiously on social media to heading into town to encourage locals to vote.
“Through this result, we’re seeing hope in action. When hope gets hold of people, they start to believe they can do whatever they set their minds to.
“It’s one thing imagining we could win but actually winning is affirmation that this really is an amazing project and evidence that our local community agree.
“We are particularly keen to explore the accreditation side of things more fully because that’s where the real potential for change lies. It would really give the group a final stamp of validation and authenticity, and will future proof everything that follows.
“This funding marks the beginning of their journey.”
