FEL’s Community Repair and Upcycle Workshops in Islington Win National Recognition

A vibrant initiative at the heart of Islington’s sustainability efforts has just been nationally recognised with the Best Circular Economy Achievement at the prestigious LARAC Celebration Awards 2025. Spearheaded by Islington Council and delivered in partnership with organisations, including Fashion-Enter Ltd (FEL), the borough’s programme of community-led repair and upcycling events has not only helped reduce waste but also brought people together in meaningful and creative ways.

(LARAC Conference and Awards image by Karla Gowlett)

Among the standout successes are the free bi-monthly clothing repair and upcycling workshops hosted at FEL’s shop – FC Designer Collective on Fonthill Road, close to Finsbury Park tube station. These lively drop-in sessions, made possible through the support of Islington Council, are open to all and have become a cornerstone of the borough’s commitment to sustainability, circular fashion, and community wellbeing.

“These classes are RAMMED! We have queues outside!” Said Jenny Holloway, CEO of Fashion-Enter Ltd

(At FC Designer Collective shop drop-in repair / upcycle session)

Held twice a month and now scheduled through to March 2026, the workshops encourage clothing longevity by teaching practical repair and upcycle techniques, allowing residents to revive and reimagine their garments rather than throw them away. The sessions form part of a broader collaborative programme under Islington Council’s Affordable Workspace scheme, bringing together local partners and residents in hands-on climate action.

The initiative is part of a wider borough-wide push to embed circular economy principles, reduce landfill waste, and empower communities. Over the past year, Islington’s waste minimisation team and partners have delivered:

• 28 community events
• Engaged 1,700+ residents
• 472 items repaired or upcycled
• 2,355 garments swapped

The workshops at Fonthill Road are complemented by electrical repair cafés, furniture repair sessions, and clothes swap shops, thanks to the joint efforts of LOANHOOD, The Restart Project, Islington Fixers, and others. These actions demonstrate a real shift from a throwaway culture toward a more circular, community-minded model of consumption.

“This award recognises the incredible work of our teams across the borough and external partners who came together to deliver a truly impactful programme.” Said Pawel Ryczan, Waste Minimisation and Recycling Officer, Islington Council

With funding from TRAID, Kingdom Services Group, and the North London Waste Authority, and grassroots support from local heroes like the Queen of Seams – Leyla at the Fonthill Road shop, this initiative reflects the power of local collaboration in achieving national impact.

This year’s LARAC Conference marks its 40th anniversary as the UK’s leading event for local authority recycling professionals, highlighted programmes like Islington’s as the future of resource management. The award win not only validates the Council’s progressive approach but also sets the stage for further innovation in community engagement around waste and sustainability.

Next drop-in session at the FC Designer Collective, 113-115, Fonthill Road is Tuesday 28th October
Workshops continue twice monthly – all welcome. Please book your place via FashionCapital’s Eventbrite page.

For more information on Islington Council’s repair and upcycle workshops visit Islington Life