This year, instead of presents, Tom and I are asking for donations to Thread Ahead. Thread Ahead was founded by my sister Saskia and her friend Millie with the unique goal of providing brand new clothes, toiletries and accessories to people with insecure immigration status. The initiative simultaneously offers dignity and humanity to some of the most vulnerable people in the UK, while redirecting unsold clothes, toiletries and accessories away from incineration or landfill. Thread Ahead is a small but quickly growing charity so rest assured that even small donations will be greatly appreciated. Please consider donating the cost of a pint.

From Thread Ahead's Website:

The UK’s immigration system dehumanises, disempowers and harms those going through it. In June 2023, there were 136,779 people awaiting an initial decision on their asylum claim. On average, it takes 82 weeks for this initial decision to be made.* During this time, people seeking asylum are banned from working and are provided with just £6.77 per day from the government. Many are left at risk of homelessness and unable to afford basic necessities, such as travel, food and clothing.

The fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions – more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined.* On average, 25% of clothing manufactured globally remains unsold after being produced, going to waste without ever being worn. Less than 1% of these products are recycled.** The vast majority go to incineration or landfill.

Thread Ahead tackles two issues: pollution caused by the fashion industry and poor access to quality clothing faced by refugees and asylum seekers. We redirect brand new clothes away from incineration or landfill, offering them to people with insecure immigration status at pop-up events.