Source BioScience Sharewear Charity Visit

On 10th February, colleagues from Source BioScience volunteered with our sponsored charity, Sharewear, supporting their vital work providing free clothing to individuals and families in need.

Based in Nottingham, Sharewear sorts and prepares donated clothing for clients who are referred to access essential items at no cost. During the visit, our colleagues were given a tour by Emily, Fundraising and Development Manager, who demonstrated how donations are received, processed and distributed.

All incoming donations are weighed on arrival, enabling Sharewear to measure the volume of pre-loved clothing diverted from landfill. Items are then quality-checked and categorised by gender, size and type before being displayed in a shop-style selection area. The layout, with dedicated women’s, men’s and children’s sections, ensures clients can access the clothing they need in a dignified and straightforward way.

Our team spent the afternoon sorting sock donations into packs ready for distribution and were informed that many clients selected these the following day, a small but meaningful example of how practical support can make an immediate difference.

Supporting Access to Essential Clothing

Sharewear accepts a wide range of clothing and related items, including categories that may not typically be considered for donation:

• Activewear such as hoodies, joggers, leggings and trainers
• Bras in very lightly worn condition
• Children’s clothing including coats, puddle suits, swimwear, wellies, baby sleeping bags, snow suits and blankets
• Shoes
• Workwear such as high-visibility items, waterproofs, cargo trousers and protective footwear
• Bedding including quilt covers, sheets and towels in good condition
• Non-branded school uniform
• Occasion wear including party dresses and suits

The charity also collects formal and milestone attire, enabling families to access prom outfits, wedding attire and clothing for other important life events without financial pressure.

During the visit, it was highlighted that there is a particular shortage of good-quality menswear. Both men and teenage boys rely on these donations, and increased contributions in this category would significantly enhance the support available.

Measurable Community Impact

In 2025, Sharewear supported over 23,000 people with access to free clothing, demonstrating significant and tangible impact within the community.

Beyond day-to-day clothing provision, Sharewear also delivers:

• Baby Hospital Bags providing pre-prepared newborn essentials for expectant mothers
• Hospital Outreach providing clothing for patients unable to access their own garments during hospital stays
• School Uniform Outreach with 695 uniforms distributed to 52 schools in 2025, enabling discreet access for pupils
• Seasonal Clothing Initiatives including Christmas, Halloween and Valentine’s themed items presented at appropriate times of year
• Prom and Occasion Outreach with school-based sessions allowing teenagers to select formalwear, including wedding dresses where needed
• Workwear Provision offering protective clothing for new roles and smart attire for interviews

As part of the Source BioScience On Hand volunteering platform, employees are encouraged to support Sharewear by volunteering time at their head office to assist with sorting and preparing donations.

The experience was both humbling and motivating for our team. It was particularly powerful to learn that some of Sharewear’s current volunteers were once clients themselves and are now giving back to their community. We are proud to support Sharewear’s work and encourage continued
engagement, whether through donations, fundraising sponsorship or volunteering, to help extend access to essential clothing for those who need it most.