Sew Positive

What to expect

Sewing, sew-cialising, a safe space, mindful upcycling and support!

Sew Positive runs a variety of events, workshops and courses across Cambridgeshire, using sewing to support mental wellbeing and reduce social isolation, bringing communities together one stitch at a time. Examples of events include ‘Upcycle a pillowcase to tote bag’, ‘Make a lampshade from unused textiles’, ‘Visible mending’, ‘Sashiko slow stitching’, ‘Festive mindful embroidery’ and many more. There is a weekly 'Men's Hems' group offering men a creative space to slow down and create with other men.

Sew Positive also offer longer courses that take place in working hours during term time, aimed at adults facing mental health challenges who have been referred by their GP or Social Prescribing Link Worker.

With funding from South Cambridgeshire District Council, Sew Positive is offering five Sewcialise sessions each term at Wysing Arts in Bourn (on the Tiger on Demand Bus route). Booking is essential via the Sew Positive Linktree. This is for adult residents in South Cambs who are socially isolated, experiencing mental health or living with chronic health issues. Participants can choose one out of our three Sewcialise services to attend, and can then drop in to that group only. There are also activities taking place at the Sew Positive Hub on Gwydir Street in Cambridge.

More information

All equipment and materials are provided for workshops and courses, but when your book your place, you might be asked to bring items you may have at home to upcycle or mend. If you don’t have anything, don’t worry – there will also be plenty of fabrics available for you to use. A Sew Positive tutor and volunteers will support your learning and sewing skills.

To ask questions or book your place on a course or workshop, it is best to get in touch with by email or by completing a booking form on the Sew Positive LinkTree. Please include a telephone number if you can, so Sew Positive can get back to you (this will be from a No Caller ID number).

See individual event details on the website for specific venue facilities and access.

Sew Positive would love to hear from you if you’d like to volunteer and can also offer corporate workshops to support employee wellbeing.

All materials are provided. There is a cost to attending some workshops and courses which you can pay by cash or by card on the day.

If you are experiencing long term health issues, unemployment or facing other forms of disadvantage, some courses or workshops are free. Contact Sew Positive for details.