Gibraltar Youth Service and Clubhouse collaborate on #Rockthrifters project

The Gibraltar Youth Service is inviting young people to participate in their #Rockthrifters project which aims to create a culture in Gibraltar of buying previously loved items of clothing and to encourage reuse, repurpose and up-cycling of garments.

The collaborative project between the Gibraltar Youth Service and Clubhouse Gibraltar was inspired from a talk by the Minister for Youth, Steven Linares, on climate change at the youth centre on July 8.

The initiative aims to encourage the public, and especially young people, to buy less fast fashion as the industry is one of the largest polluters in the world.

“This project provides young people with a platform through which they can organise themselves and take on the roles and responsibilities required to carry out this project,” said a statement from the Youth Service.

“Through group work, developing their ideas and marketing them to others through photography and digital marketing, participants would adopt a sense of ownership over the project and develop their leaderships skills.”

“Additionally, collaborating with Clubhouse Gibraltar gives young people the chance to enhance their knowledge on mental health and provides an opportunity for integration for the Clubhouse members.”

Some members from the Gibraltar Youth Service have described their experience.

“Its affordable and you find unique items” said Nanda, 17.

“It makes me feel good as I know I'm not contributing to fast fashion” said Ray, 19.

“I did not expect to find a bargain. I think there is something for everyone there,” said Sophie, 17.

Charlene Figueras, Senior Youth Worker, said the aim is to deliver a programme that educates young people around the issues of fabric waste.

“This initiative allows them to understand budgeting skills, encourage them to buy smarter and inspire them to be more creative in how they present themselves and dress by reusing what they have and to be unique,” she said.

“We encourage the public to support this project and buy from the Clubhouse charity shop and post their outfits with the @rockthrifters handle and #rockthrifters hashtag to social media.”