Green Gown Awards 2014 - Enterprise - Coventry University - Highly Commended

ReFreshed UnLtd - from counterfeit to classroom

ReFreshed is a collaborative social enterprise project between Coventry University (CU), homelessness charity Coventry Cyrenians (CC), and Coventry Trading Standards (CTS). The project which upcycles counterfeit goods into one-off ‘designer’ garments, raises awareness of CC and offers their clients the opportunity to change their personal circumstances, supporting them to positively progress their lives. It provides CU students with first-hand experience of social enterprise through a variety of vocational activities, including manufacturing, retail and teaching, whilst developing an insight into the wider implications around counterfeiting and homelessness.

In 2012, CC with the support of CU opened ‘Windsors & ReFreshed’, a concept coffee and clothing store. HEFCE UnLtd funding has now enabled CU staff to develop a specialist training unit adjacent to the store at the ‘FarGo’ Creative Incubator Village in Coventry.

The project achieved a Highly Commended at the Lord Stafford Awards in November 2010; it has also been selected as an HEA case study which will be available from October 2014.

Top 3 learnings

1 Security of counterfeit products
2 Engaging homeless clients of the charity
3 Engaging students with social enterprise.

What the judges say ...

An excellent initiative which has real impact and shows partnerships working between a university, a local charity and students. The social enterprise element and recycling work of the project were outstanding.

What it means to win ...

“Winning this Award is an excellent achievement for Coventry University. It recognises and
showcases the excellent work of staff and students involved in helping to elevate the profile of sustainability within the University, as well as encouraging the sharing of valuable practice within the sector.”

John Latham, Vice-Chancellor

Videos

• ReFreshed UnLtd - from counterfeit to classroom (click to hide)