THE Hearth Network CIC is launching Swish & Stitch, a series of 6 free community clothes swaps at Southport Market, starting on:- Sunday, 9 August 2026 with a family Uniform & Coat Swap.

Running from:- 10.30am to 2pm, the event invites families across Sefton to bring outgrown school uniforms and coats to swap for others their children need. It is free to attend and open to anyone, whether or not they have items to bring.

The initiative responds to a growing local concern. Research from the Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority shows Sefton households throw away more than 11 kilos of clothing per household per year — the equivalent of roughly 15 pairs of jeans — with 3/4 of that being clothing and shoes. Much of this could be reused rather than sent to landfill or incineration.

Rebecca Armstrong, Project Lead at The Hearth Network, said:- "This event is about community as much as clothes. It's a chance for Southport parents to help each other back to school, to keep clothing out of landfill, and to have a warm Sunday morning at the market together — with a coffee, a chat, and a shared purpose. Every uniform donated is one less family worrying about September."

Swish & Stitch is delivered in partnership with Southport Market, Enhance Events, and the Uniform Hub (Compassion Acts) at the Victoria Centre in Southport. Any items not taken on the day will go to the Uniform Hub to support Sefton families year-round.

A spokesperson for Southport Market said:- "We are proud to support Swish & Stitch and the Uniform Hub. With many families facing increasing costs, events like this provide practical support for families and help ensure good-quality clothing stays in use rather than going to waste. We're proud to provide a welcoming space for initiatives that make a real difference in our community."

The event is funded by the Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority's Zero Waste Community Fund 2026–27 as part of a broader Sefton-wide push to reduce textile waste. Southport Learning Trust is also supporting the project, sharing details across its schools and family communities.

Event details

•     What:- Swish & Stitch Uniform & Coat Swap
•     When:- Sunday, 9 August 2026, 10.30am – 2pm
•     Where:- Southport Market
•     Cost:- Free
•     Suitable for:- Families with children of any school age
•     Website:- hearthnetwork.co.uk
•     Social:- @thehearthnetwork · @zerowastelcr · @theuniformhub · @compassionacts

How it works

•     10.30 – 11.30am:- Drop off clean, good quality uniform items at the welcome desk
•     11.30am – 12pm:- Enjoy a coffee or breakfast in the market's foodhall while the team sorts the rails
•     12 – 2pm:- Browse and take home what your family needs

Anyone welcome — no items required to attend.

Any leftovers on the day will go to the Uniform Hub at the Victoria Centre in Southport, which supports Sefton families year-round.

About The Hearth Network CIC

The Hearth Network is a Southport-based Community Interest Company dedicated to making the town greener, kinder and more connected. Swish & Stitch is its flagship textile-waste-reduction project for 2026–27, delivered across Sefton with funding from the Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority's Zero Waste Community Fund.

The full Swish & Stitch calendar

6 themed community swaps run from August 2026 to February 2027 at Southport Market. Free entry to all events:-

•     Sunday 9 August 2026 — Uniform & Coat Swap (10.30am–2pm)
•     Wednesday 16 September 2026 — Equinox Swap (5pm–9pm)
•     Wednesday 14 October 2026 — Black Cat Swap (alt fashion & vintage, 5pm–9pm)
•     Wednesday 4 November 2026 — The Big Denim Swap (5pm–9pm)
•     Wednesday 20 January 2027 — Curve Swap (inclusive sizing, 5–9pm)
•     Wednesday 17 February 2027 — Showstopper Swap (prom, evening, bridal, 1pm–9pm)