We first supported Nelson, Jenny and their three children a few years ago when he had just finished a university course as a mature student and they were setting up a new fashion business, Nelson Were Design.

In May we caught up with Jenny and Nelson when they were exhibiting their now well-established business at the Make It British trade show. They spoke about how a grant from Fashion & Textile Children’s Trust (FTCT) helped them through those difficult first few months and how straightforward they had found the whole process.

“We were in the first year of setting up our business and all the money was going towards that,” Jenny said. “We thought FTCT might be able to help so we filled in the form, had a chat on the phone and you encouraged us to go for it.”

Nelson and Jenny received a grant for their three children, which they put towards buying school uniforms and other essential items. Nelson also told us he found the process simple and felt supported throughout.

He said: “The charity was really helpful and the follow-up was really good. That was encouraging for me. It came at the right time as we really needed it.

It can be hard to admit you need help, so be brave and jump that hurdle.

Jenny agrees that FTCT made the application process as easy as possible at a time when many parents can feel isolated and low on confidence. But her advice to other parents in the same situation is to “swallow your pride” and “reach out” for help.

“It can be hard to admit you need help, so be brave and jump that hurdle. We’re very British sometimes and we like to struggle on our own, keep ourselves to ourselves and hope everything just turns out alright. But the help is there and the really friendly team at FTCT make it so easy, and they’re so approachable.”

Get help

If you're a parent working in the UK fashion and textile industry, your child might be eligible for a grant. Please read more about our grants and what we fund.

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