A Scottish domestic abuse survivor has founded a charity to repurpose old clothing for women escaping violence, diverting them from landfills and providing tailored wardrobes for those in crisis. Rachael Bews, the founder of the ALICAS project, has already distributed 100 clothing parcels and saved more than 2000 garments from waste in a successful pilot scheme. Having escaped an abusive relationship herself as a teenager, Rachael aims to help more survivors and offer them dignity and support.
In the UK, 300,000 tons of clothes end up in landfills annually, while wardrobes hold an estimated 1.6 million unworn items. Rachael’s charity seeks to eliminate the stigma for individuals in need of clothing after fleeing domestic violence. ALICAS, standing for Ali’s coats and shoes, provides tailored clothing parcels containing a capsule wardrobe for women based on their size, style, and cultural requirements. This approach ensures a direct social impact on individuals in crisis, with donations from designers like Martin Rose included in the parcels.
Rachael emphasises the importance of sustainable practices in the fashion industry, highlighting that 300,000 tons of clothing are discarded in the UK each year. ALICAS encourages other clothing brands to repurpose their surplus stock to help both survivors and the environment. The charity’s garment repurposing service is funded through the sale of sustainably produced clothing staples, which are also donated to the clothing parcels. Fashion, along with fuel and farming, contributes significantly to global pollution, with around 10% of greenhouse gas emissions attributed to the industry.
The charity’s mission aligns with the growing consumer interest in ethical fashion practices and sustainability. Rachael aims to provide a more sustainable alternative to discarding clothes in landfills while offering a vital service to those in need. Through ALICAS, she hopes to collaborate with more fashion brands to give surplus stock a new purpose. ALICAS’ initiative not only supports survivors of domestic abuse but also contributes to reducing clothing waste and environmental impact.
In conclusion, Rachael Bews’s ALICAS project is a beacon of hope for women in crisis, offering them practical support while promoting sustainability and ethical fashion practices. By repurposing old clothing and providing tailored wardrobes, ALICAS is not only transforming lives but also advocating for a more environmentally conscious approach to fashion. Rachael’s personal journey and dedication to helping others exemplify the resilience and compassion needed to make a positive difference in the world.