Lucy founded The Patched with Care Project, which looks to reuse marine textiles to create durable, high-quality bags for young people in care. The project addresses the ever-pressing issue around landfill waste and single-use materials, while helping to support young people in care through what can be a challenging time as they move to new accommodation.

Lucy began the project after reading some statistics from the National Youth Advocacy Service that hit home. According to the service, around four in five children and young people in care are forced to move their belongings in bin bags, often resulting in lost or damaged items.

This inspired Lucy to address the problem directly, by creating something new out of old, discarded marine materials.

She said: “The Patched With Care Project – my final-year social action project – is upcycling old sails, offcuts and marine textiles, which might otherwise end up in landfill, into quality bags for children and young people in care to carry their precious belongings in. No child or young person should have to carry their life in a flimsy bin bag. This project aims to address environmental sustainability while offering a practical and meaningful solution to a common issue. It also seeks to raise awareness, so that more can be done to tackle the problem.”

She has received guidance from retired shoemaker, Tony, who has shown her the ropes of working with an industrial sewing machine. With Tony’s support, Lucy has been able to tackle the sails used for the bags.

Lucy has developed a strong relationship with local sail making companies, and the community overall. She said: “I’ve been amazed by the positive response from both the local community and businesses in the marine textile industry. I’ve been in contact with several companies and have received material donations from Rowsell Sails, SKB Sails, Cockwells and Kayo Spruce Ltd, as well as from members of the public.

“I had the privilege of visiting one of the Cockwells sites, where I was shown the workshop where they make boat covers, and I was fortunate to speak with their Lead Marine Trimmer. I’ve also been in contact with the Cornwall Education Learning Trust (CELT), who connected me with the Adolescent Team Lead at Together for Families – the Cornwall Council team I’ll be donating the bags to. Liaising with different organisations and individuals has helped me to further develop my communication and networking skills.

“Alongside material donations, the local community has been incredibly generous in supporting my crowdfunder, which has helped buy additional items such as zips and webbing. Any unspent donations will be passed on to Carefree Cornwall, who support young people in and leaving care.”

But what’s next for Lucy as she approaches graduation? After securing a permanent role with The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth, Lucy hopes that The Patched with Care Project will have a ‘lasting legacy’ that continues long after her departure from Falmouth University, educating people on the challenges faced by young people in the care system.

For more information about Falmouth University and its courses, visit https://www.falmouth.ac.uk/

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