Why We Need the Arts—And Why I’m Taking Action

Just over a year ago, I volunteered on a programme with The Talent Foundry — an organisation doing truly brilliant work right here in Rochdale. Over the course of four workshops, they support forty students from our borough, helping build confidence and spark vital conversations about further education and careers. I was invited in for the final session because one of the students had said they wanted to be a fashion designer. Of course, I said yes. It turned out to be an incredible day. We talked fashion, future dreams, and creative paths — and I could feel the impact this kind of support was having on the room. It stuck with me. A few months later, that same student asked her careers advisor if she could reach out to me for another chat. I was over the moon to be asked. We met at her academy and talked about everything from next steps to building a portfolio, applying for college, and attending events to spark inspiration. I went home and put together a pack for her: fabric samples, seam tutorials, sewing guides, and books to support her journey. But during that conversation, something floored me: her school no longer offered textiles as part of the curriculum. She wasn’t the only one affected — eight students in her year alone wanted to study it but had no access. And that got me thinking… How many other young people across our borough are in the same position? How many might never get the chance to sit at a sewing machine, to explore fashion, to unlock a creative outlet that could change their lives? I found my passion for fashion and textiles through education. If I hadn’t been given the opportunity at school, I might never have discovered the thing that saved me — the thing that still sets me on fire today. I’ve never been built for an office job. I needed to make things, to create, to dream out loud. And I know there are so many young people who feel that too. So, I started reaching out. I emailed people across the education sector: could local academies offer taster sessions or mini courses? Anything to get students hands-on and inspired. And those first steps have led to more than I ever imagined. This week, I kicked off a five-week course at a local academy, working with students of all ages. I spoke at an event called Creativity in Careers, where I chatted to Year 9 students about what I do and how fashion can be a future. And I’ve just been awarded a small grant to deliver taster sessions through Youth Services and a local community centre. It’s growing — and I’m loving every second. I never thought teaching would be part of my future — but here we are. And honestly? I’m thrilled. Being able to share what I love, to spark something in someone else, is a gift. Fashion and textiles have been everything to me since college — and they still are. But arts education is being stripped away in too many places, and that breaks my heart. Creativity isn’t a luxury — it’s essential. For mental health. For self-worth. For joy. For opportunity. Young people are missing out, and that’s not okay. We need the arts. We need them now more than ever. xxx