September 25, 2025

Upcycling with purpose: Waltham Forest students turn denim into bags for hospice care

Students at Waltham Forest College have shown how creativity and sustainability can go hand in hand, upcycling pre-loved denim into bespoke, handcrafted bags to raise funds for Haven House Children’s Hospice.

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As part of their NCFE Level 2 Adult Award, Waltham Forest College students were challenged with a live brief in partnership with Haven House Children’s Hospice.

Denim garments, generously donated by the hospice’s Chingford charity shop, were reimagined into stylish, one-of-a-kind bags. These unique creations were then sold to support the hospice’s specialist care for seriously ill children and their families.

So far, the project has raised £100 for the hospice, with the remaining bags set to feature in a special shop window display next week, coinciding with Charity Shop Fashion Week 2025. All profits from sales will go directly to Haven House.

The project encouraged students to embrace innovation and sustainable design, giving new life to old materials. Along the way, students strengthened key skills in design, construction, and problem-solving – all while supporting their local charity and community. The finished bags took centre stage at the Waltham Forest College’s end-of-year fashion event, where audiences celebrated both the students’ ingenuity and the positive impact of their work.

Diane Honychurch, Manager of Haven House’s Chingford charity shop, said:

It’s been inspiring to see the students bring such creativity and passion to this project. By upcycling donated denim, they’ve not only produced something unique and fashionable but also supported the work we do at Haven House. We’re so grateful for their talent and commitment - it really shows how local partnerships can make a big difference for the children and families we care for.

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