Introducing SFW Hub: Gorseinon

One of two Hubs in Wales for 2025, The Salvation Army are spearheading activities in Gorseinon, Swansea! We chat to them about their brilliant work in the charity sector and celebration of preloved fashion.

Can you tell us a little bit about The Salvation Army?

Nicole: “SATCoL is the trading arm of The Salvation Army charity. The profits we raise go to the charity to support the great work they do, helping vulnerable people across the country. We have over 260 charity shops and donation centres across the UK, and over 8000 clothing collection banks. Every year we repurpose around 250 million items through resale and recycling initiatives.

We have over 7000 passionate people working in the organisation, with over 70% being volunteers who generously donate their time and kindness across the business.  

In our Gorseinon Donation Centre alone, we have 85 volunteers, managed by Gareth Carnegie, our store manager.”

How did The Salvation Army begin?

Nicole: “The Salvation Army has a long history working in reuse and recycling, and repurposing items to benefit others. As the trading arm of the charity, Salvation Army Trading Company Ltd (SATCoL) actively encourages the reuse and recycling of donated clothing and other household items through over 260 charity stores, and a nationwide network of over 8,000 clothing banks.

“SATCoL was formerly established in 1991 but has its origins in a scheme started in 1985 by Salvation Army Officer Terry Pattinson. At the time Terry was in charge of Mountbatten House in Southampton, a 106-bed Salvation Army centre that cared for the elderly and also provided detoxification services. Inspired by a clothing collection scheme he saw in action whilst visiting Australia, he returned to Southampton believing that a similar scheme in the UK could raise funds for Mountbatten House and provide work for its residents. At the heart of the business, we Dare to Care in everything we do. Whether that be for our community, or the environment.”

What’s your background?

Nicole: “I have an extensive nearly 30 year retail background in various forms from Sportswear to Mobility furniture from sales advisor to ops manager, this is my first appointment within the charity sector and I'm so proud to hold such a role with great autonomy and giving back to so many people in every way I can.”

Does The Salvation Army run any other community initiatives?

Nicole: “Community is at the heart of our business, and we support those in need in our local communities, regularly hosting Repair Cafés, providing free clothing vouchers and community fridge and cupboard. We also participate in Great Big Green Week, where we encourage colleagues to get creative with their window displays to raise awareness about sustainability.”

What are your aims for participating in SFW?

Nicole: “We want to engage even more of the community to buy second-hand instead of new, showing our customers that you can still be in fashion by shopping at our charity shops. We participated in Sustainable Fashion Week last year where we hosted online webinars with fashion stylist Rebekah Roy and produced an online guide to shopping secondhand.” 

Quick Fire Questions

What piece of advice would you recommend to someone trying to change their fashion habits for the better? 

Nicole: “Shop your own closet first before buying new, you’ll rediscover forgotten pieces, shop your local charity stores, you'll find the perfect top to match that skirt for a very reasonable price too.” 

Which issue do you feel is the most important to address in the fashion industry? 

Nicole: “Fast fashion – cheaper clothing doesn't have a long-lasting stance, and people are so quick to flip to the new trend.” 

What is your top tip for those new to consuming fashion sustainably? 

Nicole: “Invest in durable well-made clothing that will stand the test of time. Charity shops are full of great quality clothing and some of them are unworn or nearly new too.” 

What is your favourite wardrobe staple? 

Nicole: “Honestly, you can’t beat a great Shacket – can be worn as formal or casual and is really smart either way, very practical and so comfortable to wear.” 

You can learn more about the courses on offer at The Salvation Army here.