Top Stitched Wales Community Interest Company (TSW CIC) was established in November 2024, and officially began its operations on 1 March 2025. TSW CIC was awarded an Awards for All Grant by the National Lottery for two years for the Stitching for Wellness Project running from March 2025. TSW CIC operates its sessions in person to reduce social isolation, improve well-being and provide opportunities for creativity, skill development and community engagement through craft workshops, sew social sessions and craft destash sales in Llanelli and the surrounding area. This report summarises the activities undertaken in the year ending 30th November 2025, and the community benefits these activities have provided. The most commonly used words and themes from participant feedback are shown below. Improving wellbeing and reducing isolation. Support Learning Confidence Wellbeing Independence Community Friendly encouragement Fun Creativity Kindness Skills Friendship Connection Socialising Relaxation Sharing Reducing social isolation and promoting well-being through creative activities remains a core objective of TSW CIC. Between March and November 2025, the organisation delivered 36 Sew Social sessions. These regular gatherings provided opportunities for local people to meet, develop friendships and enjoy creative activities in an informal, supportive environment. Sew Social sessions were held at Llanelli Goods Shed, and Llanelly House. Social outings to Lampeter (to see the Quilt Museum) and Fforestfach (to search for items at the charity shop to repurpose) also gave members additional opportunities to spend time together beyond the regular programme. Feedback collected across Top Stitched Wales activities, including Sew Social and taught sessions, demonstrated the positive impact of the organisation's work. During the months when feedback was gathered, 92.3 to 100 percent of respondents rated their experience as excellent, while 84.6 to 100 percent reported a significant positive impact on their mental health or wellbeing. Feedback from participants has also highlighted the importance of Sew Social in providing a welcoming space to connect with others, enjoy shared interests and support mental wellbeing. Alongside Sew Social sessions, the regular workshop programme provided further opportunities for people to connect with others through shared creative activities, supporting the organisation's aim of reducing social isolation. Developing skills and confidence TSW CIC’s workshops provided opportunities for participants to develop practical sewing and textile skills through a varied programme of creative projects. Workshops ranged from introductory sessions covering machine basics and buttonholes to more advanced projects including patchwork, applique, zipped bags and basic pattern drafting. Attendees were able to build skills progressively while creating practical, personalised and meaningful items. The varied workshop programme catered for people at different stages of their learning journey, with beginner-friendly sessions providing an accessible introduction to sewing and craft, while regular attendees had opportunities to continue developing their skills through new techniques and more advanced projects. Workshops attracted both first-time and returning attendees, supporting continued learning within a welcoming and supportive environment. Workshop spaces were consistently well used, with an average occupancy rate of 87 percent, demonstrating sustained interest in the creative learning opportunities provided by Top Stitched Wales. The programme expanded over the year, with average weekly workshop delivery increasing from 2.5 sessions in April to 4 sessions by October and November, creating more opportunities for people to take part. Participant feedback has demonstrated that the impact of workshops extended beyond developing practical skills. Learning new techniques, completing projects and developing confidence in their own abilities gave many attendees a sense of achievement, while the supportive learning environment encouraged them to continue trying new things. Feedback also highlighted the quality of support they received throughout the workshops, valuing clear instruction, encouragement and the opportunity to learn at their own pace. Together, these experiences show that TSW CIC’s workshops provide more than practical sewing skills; they foster confidence, creativity and a positive approach to learning. Sustainability remained an important aspect of TSW CIC’s workshop programme, with many projects encouraging the reuse of materials and the creation of practical, long-lasting items. Workshops promoted sustainable sewing practices by incorporating recycled and repurposed textiles where possible and encouraging people to make items that could be used repeatedly in everyday life. The workshop programme included a range of projects designed to support more sustainable choices, including reusable bowl covers, tote bags, gift bags, cutlery holders and fabric baskets. Other workshops focused on techniques such as patchwork and sashiko, encouraging participants to make use of fabric offcuts, repair existing textiles and extend the life of clothing and household items. Scrap fabric projects, including coasters, scrunchies and bookmarks, demonstrated how smaller pieces of material could be repurposed creatively rather than discarded. Several workshops also encouraged attendees to create personalised items from existing textiles, including memory bears and memory elephants made from sentimental clothing, providing an opportunity to preserve meaningful fabrics while developing new sewing skills. Feedback recognised the value of learning techniques that supported the creative reuse of materials. Sustainability was also promoted through regular Craft Destash sales, which provided opportunities for surplus fabrics, sewing equipment and craft materials to be rehomed and reused by others rather than discarded. These events complemented the workshop programme by encouraging the continued use and sharing of resources within the wider local crafting community. Through developing practical sewing skills alongside sustainable approaches to making, TSW CIC has encouraged participants to reuse and repurpose textiles while supporting creativity and promoting more sustainable crafting practices. Building strong community connections is central to TSW CIC’s mission. During the year, the organisation continued to strengthen relationships both within its own participant community and across the wider Llanelli and Carmarthenshire area through partnerships, events, volunteering and community engagement. As regular activities continued, members of the TSW CIC’s community developed supportive relationships that extended beyond the sessions themselves. Members shared skills and resources, encouraged one another with creative projects and provided practical and emotional support, creating a welcoming and inclusive community. TSW CIC also continued to strengthen connections within the wider local community through partnerships, collaborative events and volunteer involvement. Workshops delivered in partnership with Llanelli Goods Shed, funded through their grant programme, enabled the organisation to reach new participants beyond its regular programme. Collaboration with other local Community Interest Companies at the October Destash Sale provided opportunities to showcase a range of creative activities through live demonstrations, while the local Women's Institute supported the event by providing refreshments. Community engagement extended beyond the organisation's own events. During the year, TSW CIC hosted two successful Destash Sales, encouraging the reuse of craft materials while bringing together local makers and community organisations. The organisation also took part in the Co-op Sustainability Fair, where attendees were invited to create fabric flowers using recycled fabric scraps, promoting both creativity and sustainable crafting. Volunteers supported the delivery of community events throughout the year. TSW CIC continued to raise its profile by participating in local community events, including two Harmonious Heroes events in Llanelli. These provided opportunities to showcase the organisation's work alongside other community-led initiatives and engage with residents, schools and partner organisations. The organisation was also pleased to welcome a visit from Cefin Campbell MS, providing an opportunity to highlight its work and the positive impact it has within the local community. Community engagement was further supported through a growing social media presence. Facebook and Instagram were used to promote activities, celebrate participant achievements and connect with the wider community. During the year, TSW CIC continued to strengthen its organisational capacity to support the delivery of its community activities. Investment in volunteers and training has helped establish a stronger foundation for the organisation's future growth. Volunteers continued to play an increasingly important role in supporting the organisation. The Creative Crafts initiative was established during the year, enabling volunteers to create handmade items for sale at local craft fairs to raise funds and promote TSW CIC. Volunteers also supported the organisation and delivery of the Craft Destash Sales. Continuing professional development also remained a priority. Hayley Raine-Diplock (Founder and Director) completed training in Supporting Loneliness through the British Red Cross, while also participating in an online workshop and networking event hosted by Eden Communities. These opportunities have strengthened the organisation's knowledge, skills and connections with the wider voluntary and community sector. TSW CIC will continue to build on the progress made during the year, with a focus on increasing accessibility, strengthening community involvement and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the organisation. Planned developments include introducing Saturday workshops to provide greater flexibility for those unable to attend weekday sessions, helping to make activities accessible to a wider range of people. The organisation also aims to widen volunteer participation, providing additional opportunities for people to contribute their skills and support the delivery of activities and events. Alongside these priorities, TSW CIC will continue to develop partnerships with local organisations and seek opportunities to expand its community impact. During the year ending 30 November 2025, TSW CIC continued to deliver meaningful community benefit by reducing social isolation, improving wellbeing, developing creative skills and promoting sustainable crafting. Alongside an expanding programme of activities, the organisation strengthened partnerships, increased community engagement and continued to develop its volunteer and organisational capacity. These achievements provide a strong foundation for future growth and continued delivery of community benefit across Llanelli and the surrounding area.

No consultation with stakeholders

Remuneration of £5,197 was paid to directors during the year ended 30th November 2025

No transfer of assets other than for full consideration