About Us
Sew and Sews Cornwall CIC, based in St Austell, was established in September 2022 to provide access to industrial sewing machines and textiles in a supportive, creative environment. Through guided workshops, participants learn practical sewing skills while designing and making garments and soft furnishings.
Our sessions build confidence, resilience, and key life skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and persistence, supporting wellbeing and positive change.
We work with people facing barriers including homelessness, addiction recovery, and unemployment, alongside local partners. Using industrial equipment provides real-world experience that can lead to work, volunteering, peer mentoring, or self-employment.
Led by founder Gill Birchall and supported by volunteers and peer mentors, we offer a safe, structured space for small groups, with plans to expand access and shared workspace opportunities.
Our values—inclusivity, empowerment, sustainability, community, wellbeing, and creativity—guide everything we do.
Our Values
Inclusivity
We welcome and celebrate people of all backgrounds, abilities and life experiences. Our space is safe, supportive and accessible to everyone.
Empowerment
We believe in building confidence through creativity. We equip individuals with practical skills that foster independence, resilience, and self-belief.
Sustainability
We promote mindful making and conscious consumption. By teaching repair, reuse, and upcycling, we help protect the environment and reduce textile waste.
Community
We are rooted in connection. Our work strengthens social bonds, reduces isolation, and encourages shared learning through craft.
Wellbeing
We prioritise mental, emotional, and social wellbeing. Sewing and crafting are powerful tools for self-care, recovery, and personal growth.
Creativity
We celebrate the joy and value of creative expression. Every stitch is an opportunity to learn, share, and transform both fabric and lives.
