Sew that’s how to beat loneliness!
SKELMERSDALE county councillors Julie Gibson and John Fillis have visited the award-winning social enterprise The Sewing Rooms.
The organisation provides activities and courses for people who may be at risk of social isolation, giving them the skills to help boost their confidence and improve their health and wellbeing.
Cllr Gibson, shadow cabinet member for regeneration said: “We were really pleased to visit the group and see first hand the work that they do. It is so refreshing to see businesses such as these playing a vital part in their local communities.
“Social enterprises are a great way to reconnect people with their communities and this clearly underpins the work carried out at The Sewing Rooms.”
Cllr Fillis said: “It was great to see the workshops particularly the upholstery workshops and soft furnishings – these provide a valuable income stream for the group and it is refreshing to see that income is reinvested into the people and communities of West Lancashire.”
The councillors also took time to sit with the group and look at ways in which they could support it in the future and to hear about the latest projects it is involved in, in particular the march commemorating 100 years of women receiving the vote, which takes place in June.
The Sewing Rooms’ CEO, Paula Gamester, said: “It was such a pleasure to welcome John and Julie, and show them around our premises to see first hand some of the work we do.
“As a social enterprise we have two elements to the business, a manufacturing department for upholstery and a curtain making department.
“The profits we make from these activities go right back info funding our bespoke community projects.”
Cllr Gibson added: “The SME (small, medium enterprise) sector is one of the most innovative sectors of our economy but can often be overlooked in favour of bigger more profitable business.
“Over the next few months I will be visiting other SME’s in the area to highlight their work and showcase the positive impact they have on the economy of West Lancashire.”