Repurposing seized counterfeit clothing for young people with disabilities

Clothing seized through policing operations have been given a new lease of life after being transformed into adaptive fashion designed by and for children and young people with disabilities.

The unique project forms part of Birmingham Children’s Hospital charity annual adaptive fashion show, which celebrated its fifth year this month with a country and western themed event called ‘Rodeo Runway’.

The initiative brought together Birmingham Children's Hospital, the Inclusive Fashion charity, volunteers, sponsors, and West Midlands Police uniform fitters to create bespoke clothing for children and young people with disabilities, additional needs, stomas, and other physical differences.

The project builds on a successful collaboration which began last year, when seized counterfeit goods were redesigned and customised by young participants for the fashion show.

This year, more than 80 pairs of counterfeit designer jeans, previously seized by West Midlands Police, were repurposed into waistcoats, skirts, accessories, and bags for the catwalk collection. Before being reused, all branding was removed from the items.

The initiative also supports sustainability by preventing materials from going to landfill.

Alongside the repurposed clothing, the team created ‘Bobbies Bags’ from decommissioned West Midlands Police jackets and coats. One young participant, Bella, worked closely with volunteers to develop features that make the bags more practical for wheelchair users, giving the garments a whole new lease of life and benefiting families involved with Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

Georgina Johnstone, Engagement and Consultation Officer, said: “This partnership work is an important part of West Midlands Police giving back to the communities we serve and engaging with people of all ages and backgrounds.

“The annual fashion show is about more than clothing. It’s about empowering young people to showcase their creativity, build confidence and highlight the need for more inclusive fashion options on the high street.

“One of the questions we’re often asked when counterfeit clothing is seized is what happens to it afterwards. Through this project, this clothing has been transformed into something positive and meaningful by talented volunteers.

“We’re proud to support a project that not only benefits local families but also promotes sustainability.”

The fashion show, organised by Carmen Burkett and Sharon Concannon of Inclusive Fashion, took place at The Pairc Hotel, King’s Heath on 13 June.

Among attendees were Chief Inspector Chanelle Whitney representing Birmingham local policing area, the Lord Mayor, and Coventry and Birmingham City football legend, Dele Adebola.

Families attending the event were also able to meet a range of our officers across different teams before the show, including mounted officers, police dogs, firearms officers, drone officers, and members of the forces Honour Guard.

Sharon Concannon, one of WMP’s contracted uniform fitters is a fashion consultant for the event, helping adapt the clothing to suit the needs of the models.

“This event is a really positive way to collaborate, be creative and give back to the children who have been through so much” Sharon said.

“As a member of the uniform services team at Logistics, it is amazing to get the team’s input to contribute to such a rewarding cause. WMP have helped by donating seized goods from our detained property store and end of life uniform that would otherwise go to waste.

“In my free time, I help by reconstructing garments to be more comfortable for each child, for example, adding soft stretchy waistbands and popper buttons to make it easier for the young people to get dressed independently and to be able to comfortably sit in their wheelchairs.”

In order to mark the event and recognise our partnership work, one of ‘Bobbie’s Bags’ will be on display at our West Midlands Police Museum.