ONE of the founders of a charity which makes and alters clothing for disabled people is putting her needle and thread down today.

Sian Barrie, who co-founded Dressability in 1998 with Lizzie Jenkins and the late Tim Kilminster, is retiring from her position as the charity’s manager.

The charity, which adapts clothing for people with physical and learning disabilities, will still continue to run from their premises in Edison Park, Dorcan.

Sian, 62, said: “It started as a six month pilot project from my flat in Bath.

“I was working for Clothing Matters before that and due to cuts in funding that had to close.

“It was just such a wonderful service and people had come to rely on it. It would have been tragic if it had just disappeared.

“That is what motivated all three of us to establish a small service so that we could continue to provide clothing alterations and adaptations for people with disabilities.”

They were awarded funding from the Joint Consultative Committee and what was then the Wiltshire Health Authority.

In 2000 they were awarded £103,000 from the National Lottery.

“When we were applying for National Lottery funding I was told by one person ‘they won’t fund that sort of thing,’” said Sian.

“When the lottery gave us the funding they said they wouldn’t have if we hadn’t done the pilot project because it was so unusual.”

Dressability helps disabled people, their families and carers who have problems with dressing and undressing by offering the garment alteration and dressmaking services.

Its outreach service is available to all clients and provides information about specialist clothing for disabled people. It helps about 450 people a year.

“Disability is so varied. No two people are the same. Everybody’s dressing requirements and clothing requirements are different so we have to treat everybody as an individual,” said Sian.

The trustees are currently recruiting a new manager.

For more information about Dressability phone 01793 512878.