A TEXTILE craft and up-cycling social enterprise in Runcorn is sewing its way to success after a funding boost.

Sew Halton, which uses sewing, textile craft and up-cycling as a platform to build skills, reduce isolation and improve well-being, has been awarded more than £800 from Halton Housing's Helping Hands initiative.

Based in Runcorn Shopping City, Sew Halton gives Halton residents the chance to gain confidence, reduce isolation, learn a skill and become part of the community.

The courses and activities have proved extremely popular with local people, training more than 130 people in machine sewing in the last year alone.

The extra funding from Halton Housing's Helping Hands initiative will support Sew Halton's regular free sewing and confidence building sessions, through the purchase of fabric, extra materials and equipment.

Managing director and sewing tutor Victoria Begg said: "A massive thank you to Halton Housing for their support through Helping Hands.

"Our aim is to empower Halton residents, gain confidence and reduce isolation via the craft of textile sewing.

"The extra funding will allow us to reach even more Halton residents allowing them to become part of a wider community of sewers, up-cyclers and craft people."

Debbie Jameson, Halton Housing customer engagement officer said: "Our customers and our communities are really important to Halton Housing.

"Offering this fantastic project financial support will enable a number of our customers to become involved and learn new skills in a safe and positive environment."

Since Sew Halton’s establishment, volunteers have contributed 4,800 hours to community projects this year.

The main project has been Coats for Kids, which has seen over 375 coats up-cycled and donated throughout Halton.

Over 740 clothing items have been created or up-cycled, 1.5 tonnes of donated clothing have been redistributed and five tonnes of fabric waste has been avoided.

If you are interested in attending one of the sewing classes or want to know more about Sew Halton visit www.sewhalton.com or email sewhalton@outlook.com.

Alternatively, drop into Sew Halton's shop in Runcorn Shopping City, open Monday to Friday.

If you or someone you know run a community-based project that could benefit from the support of Halton Housing's Helping Hands initiative, whether it's a refurb of a scout hut, a kitchen makeover in a community centre, or a hospice garden in need of some tlc, get in touch by emailing helpinghands@haltonhousing.org or visit haltonhousing.org/your-community/helpinghands for further information.