Community sewing day supports period poverty project

More than 400 reusable sanitary pads are set to be distributed to women and girls around the world after volunteers came together for a sewing day in Dilton Marsh. 

The Threads of Dignity group held the event at Dilton Marsh Memorial Hall on Saturday 12th September, making pads for the Pachamama Project, a not-for-profit network which provides reusable sanitary products to women and girls experiencing period poverty. 

A total of 32 volunteers spent the day making the reusable pads, with volunteers taking on different roles throughout the process.  

Organiser Lynne Vercoe said, “There were jobs for everyone, the ladies were soon busy cutting out, pinning, machining, ironing and top stitching the pads. Gentlemen of the group came into their own as they fixed the poppers into the pad to complete the process.” 

The group was founded in 2021 and has now sent more than 5,000 reusable pads through the Pachamama Project. Volunteers who make pads at home also contributed to the latest total. 

The sewing day was supported by the local community, with Dilton Marsh Memorial Hall providing the venue free of charge and Weavers donating cakes for the volunteers. 

A community grant from Westbury Town Council also helped the group buy fleece to continue making pads for another year. 

Lynne said, “Thank you all for your support,” adding that the hall’s support was particularly important in helping the group continue its work. 

Anyone interested in finding out more can visit the Pachamama Project website or contact Lynne Vercoe at vercoelynne@gmail.com to get involved with Threads of Dignity. 

The next pad-making day will take place on 6th March 2027.