Students design bespoke sleepover packs for foster children in Southampton

The Mockingbird programme is a national initiative which connects foster carers and children to a wider network of support, cultivating a strong sense of community and extended care. SCC have now launched their own strand of this project, aimed at supporting the city's fostering community, beginning with a cohort of eight foster families.

To help celebrate the launch of Mockingbird in Southampton and give young people a unique gift that they can cherish and keep, students in Solent University's Department of Art and Music have designed and made twenty sleepover packs, utilising eco-friendly methods of design.

The creation of these packs forms part of the University's So Conscious Collective (SoCoCo) - a new initiative which encourages students to embrace sustainable practices in fashion and grow as global citizens through collaboration with the community and industry. To create these bags, students used old fabrics and garments, repurposing them to make something not only beautiful, but meaningful.

SoCoCo is a unique way of educating students on sustainable practices in fashion, inspiring them to share their knowledge and learn from others.

During this project, students gave around 100 hours each, resulting in twenty beautiful packs which are now in use by foster families. It was a true collaboration across courses, with the packs designed by Fashion Design students, photographed professionally by Fashion Photography and Image Production undergrads, and SoCoCo itself developed by Fashion and Beauty Media learners.

Zoe McCarthy, Lecturer Fashion and Beauty at Solent, says:

"Experiential learning and teaching like this allows students to be directly involved in the process. Experimenting with fabrics, networking with the community and experiencing real-world issues gives perspectives that they wouldn't get in a traditional learning environment.

"Beyond our students, the opportunity is such a great way to support the community and understand what really matters and how we can help with our specialist skills and resources."

While designing and making the packs, students focused on creating a sense of belonging which will complement the spirit of gatherings and sleepovers that form part of the Mockingbird programme. Zoe says:

"Seeing the children choose their own bags and hearing the foster families tell us how much it means to these kids to have something that is handmade just for them is something to be proud of, but also a huge learning opportunity. The fact that we repurposed garments to create these is great, and helps students and society see the possibilities."

Undergraduates had the opportunity to meet the foster families who are involved in this important programme, seeing first-hand how their work will have an impact on the lives of young people. Fashion Design student, Ivo Oura Pinto Gomes, says:

"Working on this project was an extremely rewarding experience, both personally and creatively. I was able to develop my technical sewing skills and pattern cutting abilities, but I especially enjoyed the aspect of designing with empathy, ensuring my creations were not only practical but also carried a sense of care and thoughtfulness.

"This project allowed me to give back to to a community that welcomed me in without expecting anything in return, and I'm grateful for the opportunity."

As a civic university, Solent is committed to connecting students and staff to organisations throughout the city to create a positive impact. Whether it's through initiatives like this one, volunteering or offering the skills students learn to benefit businesses, Solent continues to nurture its connection to the city and contribute to its success.

Find out more about SoCoCo on social media @soconsciouscollective.