13 Jul Community Meeting: Life on the Andover Estate

On 11th July 2023, Fashion-Enter Ltd’s Development Coordinator, Gee Fletcher attended a community 4 hour meeting for Life on the Andover Estate that had over 50 people attend .

Gee said: “It was so lovely to be a part of the community meeting for the ‘Life on the Andover Estate’ organised by John and others at the Met University and the local council.  I had been working with John before this event and we met John at the shop for 2 hours plus we organised the use of mannequins and transport to the venue too. 

“The powerful documentary shown covered the history of life on the Andover estate over the past 40-years, and how much it has changed. They covered topics such as the expansion of diversity, mental health and community support.  

“The local Mayor of Islington Gary Heather and Jeremy Corbyn spoke about the ways in which they have supported, and will continue to do so, for the Finsbury Park area. The area has undergone, and continues to be rejuvenated, however there is still a huge amount of poverty that needs addressing. 

“I was happy to represent Fashion-Enter as a social enterprise that offers free courses for people that are much like the residents on the estate, that may have had to move for a new start and a chance to gain new skills for employability. I was on hand to discuss career opportunities and explain how the industry works. 

“FEL can offer sound advice on how to start a brand and business from industry professionals and it is fantastic that we can offer new businesses space / equipment hire or a more affordable workspace.  

“It would be great to support in any way that we can, we would like to start upcycling children’s school uniforms / upskilling parents by teaching them how to do simple sewing. 

“Fashion-Enter’s mannequins were used for the exhibition to display the beautiful garments worn by the many different cultures within the estate and they also served the most delicious vegan dinner! We want the borough of Islington to flourish and thrive as a genuine circular fashion programme.”