Over the next four weeks, TANYA YILMAZ takes a look at the various charities who benefited from this year’s Charity Ball

INDIVIDUALITY, pride and dignity are three things most people take for granted but for those living with a disability, the simplest of tasks can be a struggle.

From doing up zips on jackets to unbuttoning trousers, many are left frustrated at not being able to dress and undress themselves.

But with a little help, ingenuity and skill from the nimble-fingered seamstresses at Dressability, some have been able to retain their independence thanks to uniquely-adapted clothing.

For the last 20 years, thousands of items have been altered for the needs of both disabled children and adults at the charity which, like the garments they change, is completely one-of-a-kind.

“Self-esteem and independence are vitally important to people with disabilities and what we do is about getting them feeling good in the clothes they wear,” said manager Sharon Tombs.

The 54-year-old has been at the helm of the organisation for the last four years.

From discreet zips and fastenings, bibs, bags for medical aids – all are devised by the experts stitching away in the large sewing room at the organisation’s HQ.

One project the team are particularly proud of is the way they can bring normality to the lives of schoolchildren by adapting uniforms for the everyday.

“We cater for all different needs for adults and children with disabilities and the work we do with school uniforms is to allow the children to have some self-respect and not made to feel different,” Sharon added.

“Everyone here has worked on different things at different times in their lives but each one has different interests and specialisms and what we do is a group effort.

“Even though what we do are little changes, they make a massive difference to people’s lives.

“Dignity is a big thing in our work. It is about giving people the self-respect they want through their clothing so they are able to do things on their own like going to the toilet by themselves.

“It is not just about looking good but it is about feeling good in yourself.”

Now the team has been awarded £2,000 by the Swindon Charity Ball to continue its work in the Swindon community and beyond.

Founded as a six-month project with a handful of volunteers and a part-time co-ordinator working from a spare room, Dressability became a full-time service in 2003 when it won a Big Lottery grant.

Today, the charity supports the over 65s as well as disabled people and covers an area of 25 miles.

Pam Chadwick, 55 has been with the charity for the last 11 years.

With the team never short of work, Pam is in the process of putting the final touches to a baby grow redesigned for a five-year-old to allow her to move freely without jeopardising a feeding tube.

“Another thing we’ve just finished is a few pairs of trousers for a group of brothers who have sight problems,” explained Pam who speaks with real pride of the work she produces. “They have difficulty doing the zips so that is why we’ve adapted them all with Velcro so that it is a lot easier for them and they know they will be able to confidently do it by themselves.

“It is a lot of work but it is worth it because it will help them.”

But, like many other charities, funding is still a big issue for the organisation and Dressability has to raise £75,000 a year to continue.

With the funding boost from the Swindon Charity Ball, the group intend on using it to help more clients and spread word about the wonderful work they do in helping make the lives of people with disabilities that little bit easier.

“To have the money from the Swindon Charity Ball is one less worry for us to have because we have to raise a lot of money each year to keep going,” Sharon said. “Without it we wouldn’t be able to do what we do.

“We are going to put it towards extending our reach and helping more people and we’re just so grateful.”